The title and plot is a parody of the newsreel which was a short shown in all movie theaters providing their patrons with news from around the world.
This short was directed by both Robert Clampett and Norm McCabe. McCabe was credited but Clampett was not credited in this short due to production budgets.
The opening shot of Passe News, with a lackluster cockerel, is a parody of newsreel producer Pathe' News and its rooster crow introduction.
By year's end, the sly jabs at military night would disappear from entertainment, as the US was thrown into war after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
The jellyfish gag is accompanied by the soundtrack to the famous Jell-O gelatin dessert product (which actually did originally come in six flavors). It was popularized by popular entertainer Jack Benny.