> doesn't always and necessarily present the views of those who control it...?

Of course it doesn't.

> Was anyone genuinely under th delusion that it was any different

It wasn't a delusion, it was.

It's generally been the policy of editorial pages to print a diverse set of opinions pieces that contradict each other. And that aren't under control of the owner, look up the term "editorial independence".

This isn't a question of being "under a delusion", it's simply how American newspapers have traditionally operated because it was good for business.

Media owners have generally prioritized making money, not "presenting their views".