[Medianext.MX]

Fox's "no controversy" coverage is getting problematic: a new investigation by The Washington Post sports reporter Ben Strauss got some tips on their original plans, which involved USA origination and a limited presence in the country, but a last-minute deal with Qatar Airways, which included "comped flights" for its talent, changed things altogether, sparking debates on their involvement in the overall coverage.

According to three people familiar with Fox’s plans, the network was initially planning to use mostly remote production and send a minimal contingent of staffers and talent to Qatar. The strategy only shifted after the deal with Qatar Airways was finalized; that agreement included comped flights to Qatar, said those people, speaking on the condition of anonymity to reveal private discussions. [...] The Qataris are hoping to use the World Cup to showcase their country to a wider global audience. An important piece of that is to have the American broadcaster in the country, said two of the people who were told about the deal. They described Fox executives as celebrating the deal because the network can deliver a more robust broadcast to viewers but won’t have to pay for it.

Here's the full report (paywall):
www.washingtonpost.com