Sulemana Abdul Samed’s tragic passing at 33 from gigantism has attracted media attention, but let’s be real—how many of these outlets are treating it with the sensitivity and nuance it deserves? CNN, for instance, is all too eager to turn human stories into sensational headlines, pushing a narrative that minimizes the complexity of health conditions like gigantism. They love a good story, but often at the expense of the human being behind it.

On the other hand, Fox News may be quick to frame this as another example of a failed health system or to turn it into a political talking point, disregarding the authentic human experience. Instead of reporting on the very real implications of rare health conditions, they hype up the drama. Both networks sidestep engaging the viewer with the science behind these rare disorders in favor of emotional pandering.

Don’t get me started on the outlets pretending to elevate the conversation—it’s all a smokescreen. The relentless focus on the spectacle of his size and the tragedy of his death conveniently distracts from the ongoing debates about access to healthcare for those with rare medical conditions.

The takeaway here? If you want real news that goes beyond sensationalism, go beyond the confines of CNN and Fox. Demand deeper storytelling that respects the lived experience. Otherwise, we’ll just keep trading genuine narratives for cheap shocks.