The powerful decide what they need, and their media marionettes manufacture the appropriate narrative(s). Rinse and repeat.
If there is a danger to democracy (in the USA and elsewhere) it is right there. The irony? Those that are actively participating in the corruption of the bedrock aren't forthcoming about their role. Instead they convenienting shine the blame-light elsewhere.
Fact: There is no democracy without a healthy and proper Fouth Estate. And for some time now, The Media has consistently been on the wrong side of Truth, Justice, etc.
Especially since, in the US for example, 90% of the media reach is owned by 6 companies, and more or less similarly elsewhere...