I'd bet John Oliver would be willing to do a segment on social media with Reddit as an opener, then segue to the Fediverse. It has a wide appeal, recent high profile stories (Twitter wasn't THAT long ago), and the impact of his typical hard hitting segments. BUT, before doing that, what the fediverse lacks is easy to digest information. There needs to be a simple web page with a simple URL that they can put on the show that explains the fediverse and all the equivalent apps. We also need a charismatic spokesperson or two willing to be on the show that can concisely explain the fediverse to the every person. The writers strike is actually in the Fediverse's favor because it provides an opportunity for growth.

Here is why I think this isn't a pipe dream:

Social Media has a giant societal impact, which is the sort of story they like to do.
Almost everyone uses it now so viewer interest would be high.
Current companies have a lot of power to influence people. He loves talking about powerful people.

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments

[–] finestnothing 2 points 2 years ago

I'm sure John Oliver will eventually cover the fediverse, it's a huge story. That said, this won't come until at least after the WGA strike is over, and the strike is not in the fediverses favor since any mainstream production is going to require writers.

Trying to do a show/segment without writers would go badly because you need writers for it to make it actually quality at all
Hiring non-striking writers to replace your striking writers would probably mean no one in the WGA would work with you after the strike ends
John Oliver is part of the WGA. He may be the show host, but he's also a writer and is on strike with the rest of the writers