It is the height of insincerity. They know it, the press knows it, and we know it. What they do is wrong, and reflects a total lack of character.
To adopt the same behavior, and excuse it because: "Oh yea!! Well...they did it first" is simply childish. To advocate that others join you in this is despicable.
Behavior should be guided by ones own morals and judgements; not on the behaviors of others.