Jon Stewart Rails Against News Networks For Keeping Their Reporters Off His Podcast: ‘It’s Bonkers!’

Screenshot via The Weekly Show

Jon Stewart kicked off his podcast The Weekly Show by railing against media networks that have not agreed to let their reporters appear on his show.

Speaking with his producers Brittany Mehmedovic and Lauren Walker , Stewart was in complete shock at the show’s struggles to book media guests who already regularly appear on television.

“It’s difficult for us to book pundits or journalists that are on television. Their organizations will not let them come on our podcast. Let that sink in for just a moment. Organizations that rely on access and transparency refuse to allow their reporters to come on podcasts to talk about the issues of the day,” Stewart said.

Mehmedovic said she hasn’t been able to get a clear answer when she’s been turned down by networks. Stewart joked he wasn’t going to name any names, but he quickly identified the network as NBC, revealing a journalist wanted to come on the show, but the network politely declined, and then would not give a reason why.

Stewart also later name-dropped CNN, accusing the network of giving the show “a bunch of shit” when they wanted a CNN contributor on the show. It’s not clear the specific situation Stewart is referring to with the network, but CNN commentator Bakari Sellers previously joined the show in early July for an episode also featuring two of the hosts for Pod Save America .

“I just want people at home to let that sink in for a second. News organizations stonewalled inquiries as to why their reporters are not allowed, are being restricted from just being able to come on a stupid fucking podcast and give their opinion, even as just a promotional tool as the reporter or the organizations they work for,” Stewart said.

The Daily Show host said media networks’ hesitation to allow their reporters to appear on podcasts like his shows a “fundamental disconnect” in the ranks.

Walker theorized networks feel an “ownership” over employees and Stewart may appear too partisan.

“How is it possible that a news organization would not feel shame and bewilderment at using the techniques of obfuscation that they rail against from politicians and public figures?” Stewart asked.

He did manage to get one journalist for the episode, with Politico White House correspondent Eugene Daniels appearing alongside presidential historian and author Doris Kearns Goodwin .

Stewart wrapped up his network rant by noting that every reporter has responded positively to potentially appearing on the show.

“It’s bonkers! It makes no sense and I would think it’s an embarrassment to those news organizations, and the crazy thing to me is the journalists themselves think it’s insane,” he said.

Watch above via The Weekly Show .