Yes, I’ve noticed the comments have gone away on many news sites. I’ve wondered if too many politically incorrect comments were being posted by readers, and the liberals who run these news organizations can’t abide such critical masses of contrasting opinions.
I think the problem is they devolve into troll driven food fights if not moderated, and most sites don't want to invest in the moderation.
The hard core on every side use the comments for their own purposes but most news consumers don't want to deal with the mess.
I’m inclined to agree with you.
On Lehigh Valley Live there was a clear editorial slant to the left and articles would be published and then dissected and ridiculed in the comments section. The effect was contrary to the intended narrative.