Scahill: Cable News ‘Terror Analysts’ Profit from Fear

Scahill: Cable News ‘Terror Analysts’ Profit from Fear (Mediaite)

On Sunday morning’s Reliable Sources, The Intercept co-founder Jeremy Scahill reiterated his critique of cable news’ habit of hosting “terror experts” who have financial stakes in prolonged and expanded military conflicts.

The concept of terror experts/analysts was heightened in the past couple weeks following the Paris attack, and some outlandish statements by the likes of “terror expert” Steve Emerson.

“CNN has some great reporters on the ground,” Scahill said. “When you get into this kind of fear-generating territory is when you have these so-called ‘terror analysts’ on the air, many of whom also work for risk consultancy firms that benefit from the idea of making us afraid.”

“I don’t think CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News do anywhere near a good enough job at revealing the potential conflicts of interests of some of the on-air analysts who also work in the private sector and make money on the idea that we should be afraid.”

Scahill cited retired General and frequent military pundit Barry McCaffrey: “He’s made a tremendous amount of money off of war contracting, and then he’s brought on to these networks and treated as though he’s an independent observer.”

Scahill did add that the one advantage to cable news booking these guests is he can occasionally corner them for an interview in the green room.