I am slightly more optimistic. I do think outside of sensationalism, most major news agencies do try to abide by the truth, albeit with plenty of bias put in.

There is something much more dark and sinister about a propaganda machine. I think the word "propaganda" gets thrown around too much by people who don't understand what it means (I'm not saying that's the case of you. Just more broadly.)

But yes, I agree overall that there is a ton of problematic reporting.