Retired Generals' Media Authority Questioned Amidst War Coverage
Translated & summarized from Zman Yisrael by baba
Retired generals and senior military figures, often elderly, are frequently presented as experts on Israeli news programs, particularly during wartime, raising questions about media reliance on past rank over current knowledge. This trend, observed globally since the 1991 Gulf War, suggests that factors like "telegenic" qualities and perceived authority contribute to their selection. The author argues that expertise should be judged by current knowledge and contribution, not age or past roles, questioning the unique status granted to retired military leaders.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Retired generals are frequently featured as media experts in Israel, especially during wartime.
- The media's reliance on elderly military figures is questioned compared to other professions.
- This trend of using retired military personnel as commentators is a global phenomenon.
- Selection of experts may be influenced by 'telegenic' qualities and perceived authority, not just knowledge.
- The author advocates for assessing experts based on current knowledge, not age or past positions.
In Israel and globally, retired generals and senior military figures, often in their 70s and 80s, are frequently featured as expert commentators on news programs, particularly during wartime. This phenomenon raises questions about the media's reliance on age and past rank over current expertise, especially when compared to other fields like medicine or technology, where recent knowledge is paramount.
The article notes that this trend intensified during the current war, with former generals, IDF chiefs of staff, and commanders becoming regular fixtures in news studios. While acknowledging the valuable experience these individuals possess, the author questions why age and past positions seem to grant them an enduring aura of expertise in security matters, unlike professionals in other sectors.
This media model is not unique to Israel. It became prominent in the U.S. during the 1991 Gulf War and solidified by the 2003 Iraq War, with retired generals becoming standard television analysts. Similarly, the UK saw retired officers gain media prominence during the Gulf War, becoming sought-after "strategists."
The author suggests that media outlets often select experts not solely based on knowledge, but also on their "telegenic" qualities. Generals, with their authoritative demeanor, past roles, and ability to convey a sense of having "been there," are perceived as highly televisual. A 2024 study on Israeli media during the Gaza war highlighted the dominance of older generals and former security officials, noting a limited diversity of voices.
This contrasts with the public discourse on ageism, which often portrays older individuals as weak or outdated. Instead, the media appears to grant these retired military leaders a unique authority. The article posits that during times of fear and chaos, such figures can offer a sense of stability, but questions whether this is due to their current knowledge or their established authority.
The author concludes by advocating for a shift in how expertise is perceived, regardless of age. The crucial question for any expert, young or old, should be what they know and can contribute *today*, not their past roles or age. While acknowledging that some older individuals, like a 70-year-old entrepreneur, are celebrated, others, like a 75-year-old professor, might be seen as belonging to a previous generation. The article suggests that in Israel, having military rank can still be a significant factor in maintaining media relevance past the age of 70.