A report released this week by the non-profit research organization Media Matters found that military analysts secretly cultivated by the Pentagon’s communications apparatus appeared a whopping 4,500 plus times on major TV and radio networks since 2002 on segments covering the Iraq war, Guantanamo Bay, Abu Ghraib and other foreign policy and national security issues.
The New York Times exposed this extensive, coordinated campaign by the Pentagon and the Bush administration to influence commentary of what viewers rightfully believed were independent television military analysts. No network was safe. While FOX News carried the most tainted coverage, all the major networks ABC, CBS and NBC were party to the distortion.
It’s an unethical and possibly illegal propaganda machine – a media Trojan horse designed to shape war coverage from inside the major radio and TV networks. It was also apparent that the motivation on the part of many analysts was the extraordinary access they were granted to the Pentagon for their defense contractor firms and employers. Some analysts that failed to tow the line indicated there were business consequences for bucking the Pentagon’s message–a powerful incentive to stay on the administration-approved talking points.
One particularly disturbing example is when troops in Iraq were dying because of inadequate body armor, a senior Pentagon official wrote to his colleagues, and I quote, “I think our analysts can push back in that arena the analyst was a retired military officer.” Instead of rushing to determine the scope of the problem and how to get more body armor to our troops, the Pentagon’s initial reaction was to hit back at the media.
Unfortunately, no amount of spin can cover up the fact that despite our heroic soldiers’ efforts, the Iraqi government continues failing to assume control of their country, relying instead on the U.S. to do all the heavy-lifting. We’re over five years into a war whose end is as unclear as it was on the day it began. Over 4,000 American soldiers have given their lives and $500 billion expended. While the administration’s spin is further exposed every day that passes, the price our country pays only grows.
July 11, 2025 (Washington, D.C.) – Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) today led 74 U.S. Representatives in pressing the Trump Administration to halt plans to conduct further mass firings of federal
Lisa Released on June 27, this is a big sports drama about professional auto racing and personalities behind the scenes. Brad Pitt continues to defy his age in the action
I was born in early 1938, and started first grade during World War Two. At that time the town of Falls Church had only three schools: Madison (a grade school),
For my “Front-Page History” series, today we are looking at headlines from July 2, 1977, just one day after the new Virginia laws passed by the General Assembly went into
Legitimate news organizations need grass roots support like never before, and that includes your Falls Church News-Press. For more than 33 years, your News-Press has kept its readers informed and enlightened. We can’t continue without the support of our readers. This means YOU! Please step up in these challenging times to support the news source you are reading right now!
Congressman Moran’s News Commentary
James Moran
A report released this week by the non-profit research organization Media Matters found that military analysts secretly cultivated by the Pentagon’s communications apparatus appeared a whopping 4,500 plus times on major TV and radio networks since 2002 on segments covering the Iraq war, Guantanamo Bay, Abu Ghraib and other foreign policy and national security issues.
The New York Times exposed this extensive, coordinated campaign by the Pentagon and the Bush administration to influence commentary of what viewers rightfully believed were independent television military analysts. No network was safe. While FOX News carried the most tainted coverage, all the major networks ABC, CBS and NBC were party to the distortion.
Unfortunately, no amount of spin can cover up the fact that despite our heroic soldiers’ efforts, the Iraqi government continues failing to assume control of their country, relying instead on the U.S. to do all the heavy-lifting. We’re over five years into a war whose end is as unclear as it was on the day it began. Over 4,000 American soldiers have given their lives and $500 billion expended. While the administration’s spin is further exposed every day that passes, the price our country pays only grows.
Recent News
74 U.S. Representatives Warn Trump Administration To Halt Potentially Illegal Mass Firings Of Federal WorkersRepresentatives demand comes ahead of reported purge of State Department workers
July 11, 2025 (Washington, D.C.) – Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) today led 74 U.S. Representatives in pressing the Trump Administration
F1: The Movie In Theaters
Lisa Released on June 27, this is a big sports drama about professional auto racing and personalities behind the scenes.
Old Falls Church: School Days (Part I)
I was born in early 1938, and started first grade during World War Two. At that time the town of
Our Man In Arlington 7-10-2025
For my “Front-Page History” series, today we are looking at headlines from July 2, 1977, just one day after the
A Penny for Your Thoughts 7-10-2025
Hope may be a theological virtue, an inspiration or an aspiration, even a town in Arkansas, but hope is not
Cult Century: 1970s Roots Of Trumpism, Part 8 of 25
“Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God” Proverbs 14:31.
Stories that may interest you
74 U.S. Representatives Warn Trump Administration To Halt Potentially Illegal Mass Firings Of Federal WorkersRepresentatives demand comes ahead of reported purge of State Department workers
July 11, 2025 (Washington, D.C.) – Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) today led 74 U.S. Representatives in pressing the Trump Administration to halt plans to conduct further mass firings of federal
F1: The Movie In Theaters
Lisa Released on June 27, this is a big sports drama about professional auto racing and personalities behind the scenes. Brad Pitt continues to defy his age in the action
Old Falls Church: School Days (Part I)
I was born in early 1938, and started first grade during World War Two. At that time the town of Falls Church had only three schools: Madison (a grade school),
Our Man In Arlington 7-10-2025
For my “Front-Page History” series, today we are looking at headlines from July 2, 1977, just one day after the new Virginia laws passed by the General Assembly went into