I think you've presented a whole new perspective on the classical conflict of the media business - serving journalistic obligations vs staying in business. Idealistic theory says there is no conflict - build relevant compelling content, readers/viewers will come and they'll by followed by advertisers. Keep your readers/viewers happy and someone (usually an advertiser) will ensure that you stay in business. But media companies turn the process on its head when they first search for advertisers, build a product based on their (advertiser') recommendations and then hope to attract readers/viewers (I refer to a certain section of print industry based on my own experience). From this moment on, the game is to increase numbers by adding bogus subscriptions, just to please advertisers with deep pockets and empty minds.

It takes raw nerves to stand up to the temptation (of easy money) and follow the right process. Sadly, nerves are never found when real money is at stake. Hence the situation we find our media to be in.