I admire that you criticize anywhere criticism is due regardless of the moral tribe to which you belong. In case it is not clear, this is a supportive reply.

Honest fan. Aren't you describing sensationalism, something with a bad reputation, akin to what we think of Fox News and other propogandists? I might have a bug up my butt, but I don't think these outrageously confusing times call for duplicity ("contrarian"). I'm old, so I support irascibility.