Yes, but it's gone downhill since then.
The US media's slow and steady transformation from a Free Press, into a state-controlled propaganda agency is now nearly complete.
Today, they're not simply parroting the government line, they're actively engaged in shaping the desired public perception and awareness (or lack thereof) of world events.
In short, they're not just dupes for the gov't anymore. They're now active cohorts and co-conspirators.
TRAITORS! Shoot’em all!