Unfortunately, the press has strong input to public perception of reality. See "Year of the shark" for an example. The press advocates for itself by asserting the meme that it is a "watchdog" and "pillar of democracy."
More like an elaborately constructed selective mask than a “watch dog.” And in a sense the public has itself to blame because otherwise they would not tolerate such slant and cry out for better integrity — it seemed Fox had made steps in that direction, but then Fox blew it all by going in the tank for Mitt.
‘See “Year of the shark” for an example’
Which was nipped right in the bud by Sept. 11.
Along with Chandra Levy-Gary Condit-mania.