[bosswipe]

> This is largely through their own actions.

Or it could be the result of a decades long effort to attack credible authoritative institutions by forces that take a dim view of transparency and accountability.

[skinkestek]

Possible explanation. But I think it is more like someone took advantage of the situation after the news have been undermining their own credibility for decades.

[mlindner]

Accusations of grand conspiracy generally turn out to be false with sometimes a grain of truth.