Yes, misleading bullshit stories get more clicks, but selling misleading things is unethical, even if it does get more sales. You can't blame the public for buying something if they are being mislead about it.
But most of the time the media is not misleading. They are just reporting. They take the information they get and the repeat it. Most journalists wouldn't have the time nor energy to do anything but repeat the first layer of facts as they perceive it.
"But most of the time the media is not misleading"
This I disagree with, almost every story I have had in-depth knowledge of has been very misleading. This is partially laziness, but mostly due to wanting to present a coherent and engaging narrative.
