Mark Humphries Defends Satirical News Segment Amid Claims He 'Ruined Television'
Mark Humphries, the comedian behind Channel Seven's weekly satirical news segment, addresses criticism of his comedy. He attributes negative reactions to hostility toward new ideas, describing such responses as bizarre. Despite the backlash, he focuses on his work and notes growing popularity, particularly after lampooning Donald Trump, enjoying a surge in social media followers.
Mark Humphries, the host of Channel Seven's The 6.57pm News, has responded to backlash regarding his satirical segment, addressing the mixed reception it has received from viewers. His comments came during an appearance on the Stellar podcast Something To Talk About.
Humphries Addresses Viewer Criticism
During his podcast interview, Humphries attributed the criticism of his comedy segment to a prevalent hostility toward new ideas. He described this backlash as 'bizarre' and expressed his surprise at the strength of feelings surrounding the integrity of the 6 o'clock news. He noted that his time spent on ABC’s 7.30 program, which is traditionally less likely to feature humorous content, did not prepare him for the intense reactions to his satirical take on news.
An Insight into the Timing of His Segment
Humphries pointed out that his segment airs right before the lifestyle program Better Homes And Gardens, stating that viewers who do not appreciate his humor can easily tune out within the last three minutes of the workweek. He emphasized his commitment to focusing on his work while disregarding the criticism, underscoring the importance of creativity in a field that can sometimes stifle new ideas.
Gaining Popularity on Social Media
Humphries has noticed a growing fan base on social media, particularly after targeting Donald Trump in a recent segment. He expressed excitement about his success on TikTok, revealing that his most recent video is approaching one million views. This popularity appears to stem from a significant number of Americans who are not supportive of Trump, resulting in positive reception for the humorous segment. Despite facing criticism, he maintains a sense of humor, recounting a particular insult stating that he looks 'like a Ken Doll gone wrong.'
