The issue is that the large news conglomerations are all ruled by ownership interests, not that their methods are poor. It's lack of open competition which stifles inventiveness and difference of opinion. For example, political one-liners are good for business, even if giving them coverage is damaging to the integrity of politics. Criticizing subsidieries of the parent company is never going to happen. For example NBC is literally owned by Comcast. Why do you think the issue of monopolization never gets raised? Monopolies own the communication channels. To be clear, I'm agreeing with you. I don't think all mainstream journalism is bad. I think some of it is unimportant drivel, but trained professionals are such for a reason.

What we really need to see is professionals splitting off to spearhead their own independent networks. I'd like to see a Keith Olbermann effect, or maybe something where an older, established and experienced journalist leaves a network to start his own show with a group of young, well-trained professionals. Basically if The Young Turks had guidance from someone who knew what they were doing. Then you'd have incredibly personal flavor to the news reporting and no conflict of interest ala parent companies (assuming independent ownership).