You need to understand the difference between 'news' and 'current affairs' as styles of reportage.
I wouldn't watch ACA or Today Tonight if you're after
news. Come to think of it, I wouldn't watch either of them for genuine current affairs, either!
Like anything on TV...much of the content is heavily researched to make sure it will appeal to the general 'masses'.
So, as unpalatable as it may seem, it's generally a case of giving your
target audience what it wants. If you personally don't like it, perhaps you're outside of the demographic they're attempting to appeal to?
Blame the majority that regularly watch in large numbers...and in so doing....affirm to the station bigwigs that stories about washing powder, the latest wonderbra and how to lose weight just by drinking a certain type of tea...are what the public wants.
There's always the ABC. After all, it's your tax dollars paying for the service. You might as well be watching it.