drive-by media

The idea that members of the mainstream news media can negatively affect viewer perception by sharing a barrage of information with the potential to mislead or confuse viewers. ("Drive-by" comes from the term "drive-by shooting," in which someone riding in a vehicle begins firing a gun at an unsuspecting person on the street.) Popularized by US radio personality Rush Limbaugh. That reporter always seems to cause confusion and sow discord whenever she opens her mouth—it's drive-by media at its finest! I don't know why you lump that anchor with drive-by media—I've always known him to give unbiased, factual accounts of what's going on in the world. Drive-by media is, unfortunately, a way for young reporters to make a name for themselves these days. All publicity is good publicity, as they say.