I think the networks way over-adopted the spirit of the FCC's Fairness doctrine (1) and the equal time rule (2). It's so easy to build controversy and call if "fair and balanced", which drives up ratings while suppressing the evolution of any meaningful progress in any of the affected areas.

(1) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairness_Doctrine (2) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equal-time_rule