Of course it is. And though I've thought indignantly about how it can be prevented, I don't think its possible. There are infinitely more undiscerning, passive

Of course it is. And though I've thought indignantly about how it can be prevented, I don't think its possible. There are infinitely more undiscerning, passive and sensation-seeking news consumers than there are involved and informed ones. So the former will continue to get played (they may even be enjoying it), while the latter will keep on lamenting it (like we are right now).