The "exploiting xenophobia" explanation rings hollow. The mainstream media has long been the lapdog and mouthpiece of the elite (deep state)--see Operation Moc

The "exploiting xenophobia" explanation rings hollow. The mainstream media has long been the lapdog and mouthpiece of the elite (deep state)--see Operation Mockingbird, which continues to this day. It serves the purposes of our masters to keep us divided and fearful (as well as only "bad news" making the buck), but it's not xenophobia they're pushing, it's a generally negative view of reality to keep us discouraged and turning to them for leadership.