Advocates for Palestine criticize MSNBC’s cancellation of Mehdi Hasan’s news show : Analysis

MSNBC Cancels Mehdi Hasan’s Show, Triggering Debate on Israeli Policies and Media Bias

Washington, DC – MSNBC’s decision to cancel Mehdi Hasan’s weekend TV programme has sparked outrage among supporters of Palestinian rights. Hasan, a progressive host, was considered a rare critic of Israeli policies on United States cable news. This cancellation comes at a time when critics claim there is a crackdown on criticism against Israel in the media, academia, and the arts. It is worth noting that this decision was made while Israel is engaged in a military offensive in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of over 15,000 Palestinians and concerns about human rights violations.

Left-wing Congressman Ro Khanna expressed his dissatisfaction with the cancellation, stating that it presents “bad optics” for the network. Khanna, a supporter of free speech, called on MSNBC to explain its decision and questioned why it was made at this particular time.

According to reports, Hasan’s show will be replaced by an extension of news anchor Ayman Mohyeldin’s self-titled programme. Mohyeldin, an Arab American, is also critical of the Israeli government. However, Hasan will still be retained by the network as an on-screen analyst.

MSNBC President Rashida Jones explained in a note to staff that the reshuffle aims to “better position” the network for the upcoming 2024 US elections. So far, MSNBC has not responded to requests for comment from Al Jazeera.

Palestinian American human rights lawyer Noura Erakat expressed her disappointment at the cancellation, stating that Hasan’s programme is crucial in the current climate and should be amplified, not shut down.

Hasan is known for his persistent interviewing style, in which he confronts guests about false claims and past statements. He previously worked as an Al Jazeera host and was a senior columnist at The Intercept.

The decision to cancel Hasan’s show has been met with criticism. Some argue that Hasan’s evidence-based interviews that challenge power may be a reason behind MSNBC’s decision. Journalist David Sirota believes that this cancellation is part of a larger trend of homogenizing news content into purely partisan infotainment.

It is important to note that there has been a history of US journalists facing consequences for their criticism of Israel. In 2018, Marc Lamont Hill was fired by CNN as a contributor after delivering a speech at a United Nations meeting in support of Palestinian rights. He now hosts the programme UpFront on Al Jazeera. Additionally, The Associated Press news agency fired a young reporter in 2021 over social media posts supporting Palestinian rights.

In conclusion, the cancellation of Mehdi Hasan’s show by MSNBC has ignited a debate about Israeli policies and media bias. Supporters of Palestinian rights are disappointed by his removal, which they perceive as part of a crackdown on criticism against Israel. The timing of this decision, amidst a military offensive in Gaza, raises concerns about freedom of speech and journalistic integrity. However, it is important to consider multiple perspectives and sources to form a nuanced understanding of this complex issue. The political landscape and the prevalence of fake news can significantly influence the public’s perception of such events, making it crucial to critically evaluate the credibility and biases of various sources.

Source: Aljazeera news: Palestine advocates decry MSNBC’s cancellation of Mehdi Hasan news show