Iraqi TV channels turn frequent faces into 'strategic analysts,' media study says

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi television outlets in the post-2003 era have elevated a number of regular on-air contributors into the role of "expert" or "strategic analyst" without formal academic credentials, according to a media study cited in regional reporting. The study found that a polished on-screen presence, memorable set phrases and repeated appearances were often enough to secure the analyst label, even when commentators had no diploma or official certification in the fields they discussed. The report said commentators who speak on subjects ranging from economics and security to constitutional law and international relations have become more visible, with the microphone at times carrying more weight than documented evidence. Among those named in the debate, political analyst Amir al-Da’mi has drawn competing assessments, with some viewers describing his appearances as a sharp critical voice and others viewing them as a selective stance within a broader media discourse. Analysts are also drawn to issues with high viewership, while topics of limited audience interest tend to fall off the agenda, the study argued. It added that in an environment where on-air analysts receive more attention than the officials responsible, ordinary citizens face difficulty reaching reliable information.