Stewart to quit as ‘Daily Show’ host

Jon Stewart, who turned his biting and free-wheeling humour into an unlikely source of news and analysis to host The Daily Show, will leave this year.

His departure was announced by Comedy Central president Michele Ganeless after Stewart, who has fronted the show since 1999, broke the news to the audience at a recording in New York.

“Through his unique voice and vision, The Daily Show has become a cultural touchstone for millions of fans and an unparalleled platform for political comedy that will endure for years to come,” Ms Ganeless said, calling the 52-year-old host a “comic genius”.