The Fifth Column #516 - "Treasons, Tiny Packages, and the End of Late Night" w/ Eli Lake
38 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.
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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.
