The Fifth Column #516 - "Treasons, Tiny Packages, and the End of Late Night" w/ Eli Lake
45 snips
Jul 25, 2025 
Eli Lake, a writer at The Free Press and host of the podcast Breaking History, brings insights on national security and foreign policy. The conversation dives into the decline of late-night comedy, particularly Stephen Colbert's shift away from satire. They explore the troublesome relationship between political discourse and media freedom, especially a historic lawsuit against a major news outlet. Lake also discusses the complexities of Russian interference in U.S. elections and the implications of accountability in political scandals, all while injecting humor into the mix.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Kmele Foster's Finger Injury
- Kmele Foster injured her ring finger fixing a microphone stand with a knife.
- She sought urgent care where they treated her but couldn't stitch due to the wound's nature.
Colbert's Fall from Populist Roots
- Stephen Colbert's late-night show was expensive and seen as out of touch with his original audience.
- His shift to strong anti-Trump satire alienated viewers who resonated more with populist critiques.
Late Night TV's Declining Viability
- Late-night TV shows are losing viewers significantly, making them economically unsustainable.
- Stephen Colbert's show reportedly lost $40 million annually, half spent on his salary.
