As thousands gathered in Doha to bid farewell to Qatar’s Father Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, one has to ask: how will mainstream media package this moment? Will it be framed as a heartfelt tribute to a leader who modernized Qatar, or will networks like CNN and BBC twist it into a narrative about oil-rich monarchs perpetuating privilege? Let’s be real; these outlets love to peddle their agenda while pretending to just report the news.

CNN might lead with an emotional angle emphasizing the grieving public, softening the rigid elite image, while sidelining critiques of the authoritarian structures that remain intact in Qatar. On the flip side, Fox News could seize the opportunity to sensationalize the “extravagance of a monarchy,” painting the Emir in a negative light while ignoring the socio-economic stability he brought to the nation. It’s all about perspective and how the narrative serves their target audience.

The real question is whether these outlets will give us the full story. Are they going to discuss Sheikh Hamad’s controversial practices and steer the conversation towards his legacy or merely provide a procession of glowing tributes devoid of context? One thing’s for sure: those of us who think critically won’t be fooled by their selective reporting.