Stewart does to CNBC what television critics have failed

David Zurawik, the television critic for the Baltimore Sun, lauds “The Daily Show” host Jon Stewart for criticizing business news network CNBC‘s coverage of the economic meltdown since other TV critics have failed to do so.

Zurawik writes, “CNBC is by far the worst offender, with Santelli and Cramer delivering outrageous rants and then running for cover when called out by other members of the media. Just as Santelli cancelled on Stewart this week (an act that launched Stewart’s searing takedown), so did Cramer decline an invitation from Howard Kurtz, host of CNN’s Reliable Sources, to debate cable TV business coverage in October. Velshi did appear, and we had a lively and spirited discussion. I am not saying that encounter had anything to do with it, but Velshi has since been far more of a responsible reporter than anyone at CNBC.

“But, by and large, the cable TV business clowns have gotten away with murder — until Stewart stepped in this week. Kudos also to Stewart’s producers for finding the clips of Cramer and other CNBC hosts and reporters that show what a sorry excuse for a journalistric enterprise CNBC has become.

“The sinner of the week is Santelli. I have denounced his rant on the floor of Chicago’s Mercantile Exchange here. Anything I didn’t say is pretty much covered by Stewart in the video above. But there is also the matter of Santelli snarling and acting like a tough guy as he delivered the rant seen in the video, and then refusing to face Stewart on TV.”

Read more here.