Originally the media was supposed to be the watchdog over politicians and in the beginning the reporters and editors came from far different economic classes. Then along came television which created media stars with economic benefits comparable to the politicians and movers and shakers of the country. So these nouveau riche media personalities wanted to play in the same social circles and knew they needed to treat their new friends better. Added to this was the rush to merge media companies into megamedia conglomerates owned by ultra mover and shaker people and you have the sycophantic media of today.
Sycophantic media ... well said.