I think the media coaching doesn't happen anymore because it (the media) is not nearly as effective as it used to be. Now with the internet, people can explore their own interests in entertainment and don't need newspapers and magazines telling them what's hot at the moment and who should be laughed at.
It's weird how media exposure used to sell music too. I remember reading how Jessica Simpson's 3rd album was tanking at first, and then after the infamous "Is this chicken or fish?" line, her album ended up going triple platinum.
