Amy Poehler: I have no idea what makes a great comedy

Fri, 17 May 2013 18:00:00 +0000

Amy Poehler, arguably the most venerated comedian alive in America today, has "no idea" what makes a great comedy. "Comedy has to be subversive," Poehler explained, "and not worry about the excellent part."

Poehler spoke at the Paley Center on Thursday night, taking part in a panel discussion about what "excellence in media" means. The "Parks and Recreation" creator and former "SNL" star was joined by David Simon, creator of "The Wire"; Charlayne Hunter-Gault, from "The News Hour with Jim Lehrer"; and Peabody Awards director Horace Newcomb.

All panelists except Newcomb are former recipients of the George Foster Peabody Award, an annual honor that recognizes "excellence on its own terms," says Newcomb. The Peabody looks at a large body of work -- ranging from broadcast journalism to entertainment -- to find things that "move you," according to Hunter-Gault.

But for Poehler, who won a Peabody for "Parks and Recreation," "talking about excellence and comedy makes me nervous." The actress also said that comedy doesn't necessarily have to make your think. She explained that "big physical comedy" can be hilarious without understanding why because "the joy of a person performing can be enough."

David Simon: Media’s sex obsession is dangerous, destructive

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 02:43:00 +0000

I can remember the specific moment when I swore off the sex lives of the famous as journalistic currency. It was the case of a national sportscaster — I won’t name him, but, alas, most of those old enough will remember the name, which is regrettable — whose sex life had suddenly become the media chow.

This man had been involved in a consensual relationship with another adult and for reasons both ridiculous and obscure, the other adult thought it just and meaningful to reveal herself and her complaints, making explicit all of the unique and varied ways in which she and this man had expressed their sexuality. And my, wasn’t he a weird one. And wasn’t it funny.

When that story broke, I was standing in the newsroom of the Baltimore Sun and I remember my growing distaste watching reporters and rewrite men as they were sucked, joking and snickering, into the breaking news. And no one had any doubt that it was news. The man was a national sportscaster, for the love of god. A more public figure this nation cannot muster.

Salon.com > David Simon

Amy Poehler: I have no idea what makes a great comedy

David Simon: Media’s sex obsession is dangerous, destructive