I don't actually think that there is a clear right answer to that. The media kind of reflects reality but also helps shape the next round of reality. As a member of said media, I have to say, I don't want someone like me shaping the economic global reality. It's not that I'm not invested in it but it's not my role, it's not what I'm good at.
It was supposed to boost prosperity and democracy at the same time. What really happened? According to the legal scholar Anthea Roberts, it depends which story you believe.