Describe a situation in which the media did not successfully fulfill their watchdog role. What were the consequences of their failure?

What will be an ideal response?

An ideal response will:
1, Present a situation in which the media failed to fulfill their watchdog role, specifically when the press failed to dig up facts and warn the public when officials had done something wrong. This could include, for example, the Bush decision to go to war in Iraq regardless of whether WMD were found.
2, Discuss how an ineffective press diminishes democracy because it makes it harder for citizens to hold politicians accountable for their actions.