Sadly, the cynics have this one.  Bread and circuses, dog and pony shows, fake reality TV and real fake news (thank yew, Citizens United!).

Of course, before there was "media" as we know it, there was journalism, and many of those who still ply the craft truly care about the truth, which is what Citizens United was about.  CU is also the reason (or one of them) that you see the word "Entertainment" up there on the screen while Sean Hannity is reading the "news".  

At least some of us can see it.  I get the feeling that the Emperor and his minions have a blind spot there.