When the nation was founded, the population was small enough that a politician could speak to every voter in their state by traveling around the state. As the nation grew, mass media became necessary for politicians to get their message to the voters. This gave the mass media extrodinairy power that they have abused over the years. The new media has blunted that power by giving alternative ways to counter the monopoly on information the MSM once held. Also the voice of individuals can now be heard through the internet. We are living through historically significant times.
You are absolutely correct. They have also hidden behind the Constitutional protections of the First Amendment to malign, defame people with whom they disagree or slant the news to their own concepts of the world the way they want it to be, not as it is.
Having dealt with the press myself, I know how the game is played. Believe me, when they arrive at your doorstep they already know what they want to write or report - they just have to get a few quotes or a little info to support their premise.
(Blushing) I once surprised a reporter by telling her "I know that XXX is what you want to write." Her mouth fell open and she asked how I could possibly know that was her "exact intent."
I simply smiled and said, "well you just confirmed it."