It doesn't matter if the press functions with 100% altruism or 100% efficiency. No body comprised of humans ever will. Of course there are capitalistic motives, and making money does often run counter to the public benefit of the press.
But there are many idealistic journalists (look at ProPublica, for many examples) who are doing important work, exposing things that aren't always sexy, but are definitely in the public's interest.
But there are many idealistic journalists (look at ProPublica, for many examples) who are doing important work, exposing things that aren't always sexy, but are definitely in the public's interest.