It is completely false to suggest that 'political speech writers' and some influence of 'narrative' by state bureaucracies entirely discredits the free press.

It is completely false to suggest that 'political speech writers' and some influence of 'narrative' by state bureaucracies entirely discredits the free press. 'The problem with the press' are their own internal narratives and biases, not any external influence. The press are generally free to report on what they see, and they do that. It's their opinion that gets in the way. And ironically, if there are bits they're afraid to report it's definitely not political, it's corporate, for fear of losing advertising revenue.