It's not that simple anymore , ratings are not so relevant when media companies get bazillions of dollars in "advertising" from big corporates.
All they ask is to keep the masses distracted with whatever creates sensation , sensation that will stimulate our lizard brain so that we can't focus on the daylight robbery that is going on with corporate government collusion (the real collusion).

Every western country can afford expensive arms and ammunition but no money for human needs ( domestic and abroad) ....that's the conspiracy right in front of our eyes!!