The best propaganda is subtle (which this really isn't, except that the US public is extremely dumbed down and nondiscriminatory with the media), packaged in a way where people don't realize what is going on, nonetheless it changes perceptions, thereby influencing behaviors. If people are aware of the intent of the information operation, they inherently put up filters or become more critical (Would you read anything in Newsweek and take it as the gospel or would you be highly critical because of their obvious agenda?). The best propoganda isn't all or nothing (overbearing), direct and it's source is through a proxy so that it's subtle to the target audience and achives a desired affect.
I bet, and I haven't done this nor do I have the time, that if you were to look at the the stories in the FR about LDS in 2009 and 2010 you might find a few stories, but now suddenly you see a slew of stories (a constant stream, multiple daily that I can tell) since the election game is on and Romney is a candidate. Of course these stories will be negative (In some aspect where the opponent feels they have a perceived position that will get traction among the ignorant masses- for example, that was WMD in Iraq for the Michael Moore's out there). The superficial and ignorant logic that the sheep are to follow:
LDS = Bad
You're supposed to connect the dot that Romney = LDS
This is in poor taste and has nothing to do with facts or the truth, most likely.