Richard Feynman had a great tidbit about journalism.

He described it, "....sometimes when I'm home and reading the newspaper I will see an article about some new breakthrough in science. Since this is my area of specialty, I'll of course read it, but won't make it 2 sentences before I start spotting the errors. Sometimes the journalist completely reverses cause and effect of the experiment they are describing -- a wet streets cause rain scenario. Other times the journalist will simple draw the complete opposite conclusion from the stated results. Normally I will get so frustrated I will abandon the article an angry flip the page and then read a seemingly thoughtful and insightful article on the Israeli - Palestinian conflict."

His quip highlights the truth. When you don't know much about a subject - say the Israeli - Palestinian conflict - then mainstream articles can appear insightful and well researched. When you are an expert, you spot the glaring errors and oversimplifications.