From the American Press Institute, under the heading What is the purpose of journalism?:
News is that part of communication that keeps us informed of the changing events, issues, and characters in the world outside. Though it may be interesting or even entertaining, the foremost value of news is as a utility to empower the informed.
The purpose of journalism is thus to provide citizens with the information they need to make the best possible decisions about their lives, their communities, their societies, and their governments.
Does anyone believe this describes we get from the American political news media? The people who work in this field are free to conduct themselves in any manner they see fit, but they should at least do us the courtesy of being honest about their product.