Because I'm a member of the media, I am slightly biased, but I do feel we've been doing a bad job. 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.