They are not the enemy. The British government is. Britain, which styles itself as a democracy has an official secrets act even in times of peace it does not have a free press. The problem with the American media is they are lazy but they are not evil. Editors like to think, they know it all, when they don't.
Reporters get their stories from friends in government and other countries' newsmedia personnel.
The media itself, is often an unsuspecting victim of lies. And of course, in Britain, it is very easy to manipulate the press. Don't go in 100 directions, stick to the point at hand. Some advice from a former city editor and a writer who has done a lot to bring about changes. As a former news editor and city editor, I think you guys are on target.