As a native (small n) American, I can definitely say that I'm aware of this and make it a point to not watch local news for exactly this reason; it consists of

As a native (small n) American, I can definitely say that I'm aware of this and make it a point to not watch local news for exactly this reason; it consists of the local channels trying to out-compete each other for the largest fear hit. I don't believe it's at all healthy to consume with any regularity.