The media sways publics 'perception' and perception is the key to control the masses.
Yes, they did do that in 2016 as well, but it was nowhere near 2020 operation. In 2016 they were all expecting HRC to win easily, so they weren't as aggressive. This is something that they (people behind the scene) have been doing for a long time prior. People electing a person they voted for is the "fragility" of the system they're so concerned with.
It wasn't just media, but big tech, hollywood, fortune 500, athletes and celebrities, all pushing the sam BS onto the public.
Here's the link to Dr. Robert Epstein testifying in front of congress (~6mins)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDruVrgVmZ0