Unfortunately, though I hate to admit it, you're right. Our country went through a whole period in the 1960's and 1970's where the mainstream news pretty much was dispatched to the networks from CIA headquarters in a giant public psyop. It's admitted, well established, and yet the average American still doesn't believe it. Ask them and they will give you 100 reasons why having an 'independent media' is so fantastic in this country. Makes me want to f*^king vomit.
Uhm... You think that stopped? Nope. They package video and everything in their 'Press Releases' now. No work needed. just put the tape in, read the copy for the intro, and sit back. You can spot it easier if you watch different local news stations. When you see the same 'Correspondent' on three stations, that's a sure sign.