 According to a 7 October 2003, USA Today article, the show is pulled  together in this way: a researcher scans major newspapers, the  Associated Press, and cable news channels, then gives possible  topics to the ten writers. These meet to discuss headline material  for the lead news segment. By 11:15 a.m. they meet with  Jon Stewart (qv), and by 12:30 they have come up with jokes for  the days show. The cast hold a rehearsal, then the show is taped at  6:30 in front of an audience.