Media Outlets Differ in Emphasis of Iranian Celebrations, Protests and Mourning

Following the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, both celebrations and protests took place around the world with some media outlets downplaying the celebrations.

In the US: New York Post (Lean Right bias) highlighted celebrations from Iranian-Americans in New York and mentioned they sang the old Iranian national anthem. It quoted people thanking President Trump, saying the US was "rescuing the Iranian people" and that this isn't "war" but a "human rescue." Newsweek (Center) reported several celebrations across the US in Los Angeles, New York City, Boston and Washington DC but juxtaposed these with demonstrations happening in the same cities.

Around the World: Fox News (Right) covered celebrations across Iran, Madrid, London, Berlin and Armenia. It quoted an Iranian American journalist who said, "I grew up in a country where I was brainwashed to say, 'Death to America,' the same country...that saved my life three times and is now helping my people in Iran." It briefly mentioned "anti-war protestors" in the US and Europe. Another New York Post article highlighted "solidarity" between Israelis and Iranians in London. USA Today (Lean Left) shared several photos of "anti-Iranian regime" protestors around the world holding up the pre-1979 revolution flag, the Israeli flag and photos of Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran's last shah, with the slogan "Make Iran Great Again".

Protests: Many outlets downplayed the celebrations and instead highlighted mourners. Associated Press (Left) shared a video of thousands of "Iranian government supporters" mourning and chanting "Death to America" in the Iranian city of Yazd. New York Times (Lean Left) briefly mentioned celebrations, but contrasted these with uncertainty and "scores of tearful mourners" hours later. It quoted an Iranian local whose earlier celebrations turned into disbelief after he drove through the area that was struck and cited others who were worried about food shortages. NBC (Lean Left) said Khamenei's death was met with "public mourning and quiet celebrations", with "opponents of the regime–who'd faced a brutal crackdown in Jan.--largely staying off the streets."

Related: Thousands of Iranians Mourn Ayatollah Khamenei's Death, Demonstrate Against US in Iran

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