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The producers of “Jeopardy!” are reportedly worried about Katie Couric’s recent remarks about Donald Trump and his supporters turning off the show’s largely conservative audience.
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Katie couric
The former “Today” host – who is set to take over as guest presenter of the trivia show following the death of Alex Trebek – joined Bill Maher for a discussion on the legacy of former President Donald Trump in the Jan. 15 edition of “Real Time. “
During her appearance, Couric expressed her frustration with Congressional Republicans who she said appear to be, “believing that garbage feeds them 24/7 on the Internet, by their constituents, and they bought this big lie “.
Couric added: “And the question is, how are we really going to almost deprogram these people who have signed up for Trump worship.”
She also expressed support for the outgoing president’s second indictment as well as his ban from Twitter, both of which came as Trump’s comments at a “MAGA” rally were linked to the violent insurgency his supporters hosted at the US Capitol.
Speaking to Page Six in a report released late Friday, January 22, a “TV insider” said the veteran journalist’s comments “immediately concerned” “Jeopardy!” producers.
This is apparently because the show’s demographics are older – the median age of its viewers is 64.2 – and “very conservative,” according to the source.
“And the show has always escaped politics,” the insider continued, noting that producers are concerned about the timing of her comments, which could spark “a backlash against her” from her major viewers.
“‘Danger!’ viewers are a pretty traditional bunch, and there are concerns that she might be too polarizing after that, ”the source said.“ At the very least, she seems to have already ruled herself out of becoming the show’s permanent host. . “
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Alex Trebek
Couric’s comments have already been criticized by conservative pundits, including Fox News contributor Joe Concha.
A second insider suggested similar concerns likely influenced the apology Ken Jennings made in December for the anti-Trump tweets he posted years earlier. This mea culpa came less than a month before his guest.
“Katie will be under tremendous pressure to apologize as well,” the source predicted.
Alex Trebek, who died in November following a battle with pancreatic cancer, pre-recorded a handful of “Jeopardy!”. episodes shortly before his death. The last one aired on January 8.
Couric will be the first woman to host the show. Actress Mayim Bialik and NFL star Aaron Rodgers are also available to serve as future guest hosts.
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