When you say journo's will only print what they are told you misunderstand the system of newsgathering as it is called these days.
Most of what you read,see and hear in news these days comes via news agencies.
The two big international tv and print players are Reuters and Associated Press. ( I have worked for both as a global tv news editor)
Below them come countries news agencies then local news agencies. This system is best described as a consolidated approach to gathing news the old fashioned way.
People on the ground cost a lot of money and are not cost effective.
The internet has changed newsgathing in a big way so strands like this reveal stories that would cost thousands to research.
However the downside is the media is a big hungrey animal that needs feeding 24/7.
Every day space needs to be filled.
The soft underbelly is exploited by the
PR companies who produce glossy pictures video and stories that promote their assets easier and cheaper than paid advertising.
Indeed we now have a term for this. Advertorial. It crosses the boundary between real stories and commercial press releases.
I guess the old saying still applies.. Don't believe everything you read.