Producers on “Jeopardy!” are reportedly concerned by Katie Couric’s recent remarks about Donald Trump and his supporters that will shut down the conservative public from the program.
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Katie Couric
The ex-presenter of “Today” – who will take over as a guest presenter on the question and answer program following the death of Alex Trebek – joined Bill Maher for a discussion of the legacy of former President Donald Trump in the 15th edition January of “Real Time.”
During her appearance, Couric expressed frustration with Congressional Republicans who she said looked like, “believing in the garbage being fed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by its constituents, and they believed that big lie.”
Couric added, “And the question is how do we really almost de-program these people who signed up for the Trump cult.”
She also expressed support for the outgoing president’s second impeachment, as well as his ban on Twitter, both of which came as Trump’s comments at a “MAGA” rally were linked to the violent uprising that his supporters staged at the U.S. Capitol.
Speaking to Page Six in a report published late on Friday, January 22, a “TV insider” said the veteran journalist’s comments “immediately worried” “Jeopardy!” producers.
This is apparently because the program’s demographics are older – the average age of its viewers is 64.2 – and “very conservative,” according to the source.
“And the program has always avoided politics,” continued the source, noting that producers are concerned about the timing of their comments, which could trigger “a reaction against it” from their main viewers.
“‘Danger!’ viewers are a very traditional group, and there are fears that it may be too polarizing after that, “said the source. “At the very least, she already seems to have dropped out of becoming the program’s permanent host.”
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Alex Trebek
Couric’s comments have already been criticized by conservative experts, including Fox News contributor Joe Concha.
A second source suggested that similar concerns likely influenced the excuses Ken Jennings gave in December for the anti-Trump tweets he posted years earlier. what my fault came less than a month before presenting the show as a guest.
“Katie will be under enormous pressure to apologize too,” predicted the source.
Alex Trebek, who died in November after a battle with pancreatic cancer, recorded a handful of “Jeopardy!” episodes shortly before his death. The latter aired on January 8.
Couric will be the first woman to present the show. Actress Mayim Bialik and NFL star Aaron Rodgers are also ready to serve as guest hosts.
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