It does not help that a great many people calling themselves "journalists" don't know that, either. The term "journalism" has become badly watered down over the last couple of decades.

That's not to let the readership off the hook for their failure to recognize it, especially since it often involves embracing really obvious falsehoods. But at this point, there is a vicious circle, where the "news" producers produce poor quality news because the "news" consumers want it, which encourages them to want more of it.

Something closer to genuine journalism does still exist -- with the standards and failings you outline. But it's becoming increasingly irrelevant.