The Alan Keys fiasco is a good example. WSB in Atlanta, decided to have a local debate with presidential candidates. Very meaty topic, Kev. Yes, the media are our society's agenda setters. Producers choose what to cover, and how.
Camera people choose what to shoot, and reporters choose their words.
Editors decide what winds up on the cutting room floor. While media people, like yourself, are all supposed to be neutral and unbiased, human nature dictates that we are all biased in some way. Unfortunately, I don't think the average U.S. citizen understands that and takes it for what its worth. I think we do for the most part. It all looks the same to the people at home, but heavy direction and pre-plannng by the PR department can shape the look of a story.