Either way I still don't see how the "cause panic with the intention of turning that panic into a reality show" fits in, but it must do because obviously the TSA wouldn't be lying to the public...
In house, in studio chat show, or equally stupid game show. Fire alarms sounds plus fake smoke etc. etc. Camera crews at the ready; guests scrambling over the rows of chairs and trampleling all before them. Fire crews attend and are told it is a training scenario. etc. etc. Job done with minimum disruption to general public.