It is the logical consequence of an attention based economy. Play by the rules or perish. Unless the financial incentives change that will be the name of the game. Along with a disintegration middle who can only grow with truth-seeking and fact based reporting.
Of course it is a breeding ground for activism and extremism.
Maybe there was a time where this could have been possible. But this lies now in the past. The majority of people now get their news from social media and the young generation has effectively abandoned media governed by editorial staff.
Or rather: Of course it could be successful, but I doubt it would be economically viable.
Of course it is a breeding ground for activism and extremism.