“The Daily Show” host Jon Stewart runs a program that helps veterans of the U.S. military enter the TV industry, The New York Times reported on Monday.
The comedian assists veterans hoping to direct, write or produce through the program, which The Times described as a “five-week industry book camp.”
Stewart, often known for his on-camera criticism of the Iraq War, has toured bases in Afghanistan and served as an advocate for the military when not on television. He told the Times that he hopes the program will be emulated throughout Hollywood.
“This is ready to franchise. Please steal our idea,” Stewart told the Times. “It isn’t charity. To be good in this business you have to bring in different voices from different places, and we have this wealth of experience that just wasn’t being tapped.”
Stewart began the program three years ago and quietly ran it with little fanfare, according to the Times.
“There are well-worn channels into this industry that are closed off to veterans,” Stewart continued. “You get into the television industry generally by going to certain colleges known for having good television programs, getting internships and getting to know people who work in the industry. A lot of veterans never had that opportunity because they were busy at war. This is a way to give them that chance.”
Stewart announced on Feb. 10 that he was retiring from “The Daily Show” after 16 years as the show’s host.
He’s such a class act. Very cool.
Thanks Jon. A small effort but not insignificant. It’s actually a BFD.