Jon Stewart may rail against the Iraq War on "The Daily Show," but off the air, he's helping young veterans find jobs in the TV industry.
Stewart quietly developed an internship program three years ago that gives veterans a "crash course" in behind-the-scenes positions like talent booking and editing, according to The New York Times. The five-week industry boot camp accommodates veterans who work full-time jobs by meeting once a week in the evening. The class of 24 then takes part in a career fair at the end of the course.
"There are well-worn channels into this industry that are closed off to veterans," the 52-year-old comedian told the Times. "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 a chance."
"The Daily Show" host only went public with the program because he's leaving his show in August and wants other TV shows to "steal" his idea. Two veterans who went through the program are now working for the Comedy Central show: Nathan Witmer an associate field segment producer and Justine Cabulong is a production coordinator.
Interestingly, Witmer first got a job with the Fox News channel, another topic that fires up Stewart on a daily basis.
"It was actually inspirational," the Army veteran told the Times about his experience in the program. "We hear 'Thank you for your service' all the time, but here was concrete action, people working to really make a difference. And it changed lives. I'm proof of that."
At first, the program didn't mention "The Daily Show" in order to keep out fans and focus on veterans who actually wanted to enter the TV business. Stewart said that the veteran hires are "way less whiny" than the show's other new employees.
