Example of media distortion

The recent media reports highlighting CPM Kerala Secretary Pinarayi Vijayan's criticism of the Chief Minister is an example of media distortion of true facts. It also shows how media can manipulate readers' minds.
Pinarayi, while speaking on the occasion of EK Nayanar's death annniversary, said the former chief minister led his team of ministers from the front. I fail to understand how this statement is aimed at the chief minister. Leading Malayalam dailies, known for their antagonistic attitude to the Left government, tried to take advantage of the rift between the two Red stalwarts in the state.
People should understand this tendency on the part of the media. Media, being the fourth estate of the nation, should expose vulnerabilities of the government. It should protect the freedom of the citizens. It should enlighten citizens of government's manipulations. I am sad, however, the media is getting embroiled in petty political gimmicks.