The truth is the media actually fostered and nurtured the polarized division we see today. When discussing any political topic in the news, do journalists seek out thoughtful, moderate positions on the topic representative of the widely held centrist views of the majority? Of course not, that would make for boring news and hurt ratings/sales. So, instead, they seek out less informed, blowhards representing the radical left and right views on the topic at hand and watch the ratings fly as they fling feces at one another. Over time, where these radical views are the only ones represented in the media, people begin to doubt their own centrist views and feel alone in having them. Eventually, many of these individuals begin to conform and support one or the other radical position so as not to feel ostracized by a completely manufactured group. The only solution then, appears to be to get money out of journalism so journalistic integrity can once again triumph over the almighty dollar.