zlacker

A german book by Precht/Welzer argues it's the other way.

The media became a power by itsself and it's the media which influences the government.

And they analyze how the media synchronized itself on certain topics (especially Ukraine war).

https://www.fischerverlage.de/buch/richard-david-precht-hara...

>>hackan+(OP)
That would match my impression in Germany on issues about involvement in the war. Usually, the government is divided, with FDP and Greens taking a hawkish position, arguing for strong support of Ukraine including weapons and not making any concessions to Russia; while SPD and the chancellor are cautious to the point of dragging their feet.

Meanwhile the press is not similarly divided but usually follows the hawkish position. So whatever opinion they are promoting, it's evidently not the government's.