In 2008 McCain’s campaign was falling apart and sr staff were leaving.
When it became clear to the media that Obama was going to beat Hillary they needed a republican besides Romney who they thought Obama wouldn’t do well against. The media started calling McCain a maverick and praising him for his bipartisanship then he started doing well.
Once he became the nominee they trashed him.
The media is a business and it is about making money for the network. Sports makes lots of money for the networks.
Politics not as much money but profits are important.
Advertisement is important for large profits. Ratings are important. If Meghan Kelly makes money she will keep her job.