My guess is it backfired on them. They (MSM) labeled "qanon" to be a bunch of raDiKaLs and InsHuRectIOnisTs, which got a lot of people investigating, only to find it's a bunch of mild-mannered, well-intentioned patriots. Which in turn grew the following and disqualified their narrative. So it backfired on MSM in that they called attention to it and rather it being met with outrage that they had hoped, it made the movement stronger, so now they say nothing at all "qanon" so the movement doesn't grow further, but too late IMO.

My guess is it backfired on them. They (MSM) labeled "qanon" to be a bunch of raDiKaLs and InsHuRectIOnisTs, which got a lot of people investigating, only to find it's a bunch of mild-mannered, we-intentioned patriots. Which in turn grew the following and disqualified their narrative. So it backfired on MSM in that they called attention to it and rather it being met with outrage that they had hoped, it made the movement stronger, so now they say nothing at all "qanon" so the movement doesn't grow further, but too late IMO.