The entire thesis of the OP is that it is not benign and the intent is malice/inflammation rather than accurate summary of content.

It may not be "fake news" in the Fox srtain, but the OP's point is that it is not for the good of the reader or society.

If they consistently go from "max outrage to grab attention" to "more clinical, for posterity", that's not benign. It's dishonest. Either be a tabloid or don't be.