Have you noticed that some journalists writing has appreciably deteriorated over recent years?

I think it has a lot to do with what qualifies as a journalist these days. Not saying they haven't always been a bit like that, but it seems like pretty much anyone can become a "journalist" as long as they have an internet connection and strong opinions to one side or the other. That being said, I would say one of the biggest differences would be how awful their grammar has gotten. It gives me the impression that none of the editors are actually doing their jobs and at least reading over what they put out.