That they are reporting everyday occurrences as if they are big news? That they know that "radiation from Japan" will mislead people but catch attention and get clicks/sell papers?
Yes.
Lowry Mays, founder of Clear Channel Communications, honestly explains the purpose of the media (broadcast in this particular case):
"We're not in the business of providing news and information. We're not in the business of providing well-researched music. We're simply in the business of selling our customers products."
Doing whatever it takes to attract as many eyes and/or ears in the target demographic is the raison d'être for the mass media. That's how to acquaint consumers with products and services offered by the advertisers.