It's been over 30 years since I lived in SoCal. But during my many years of living there, the Rams were always second fiddle. I really don't know why; it's almost a media culture out there that has little use for NFL football.
The media absolutely can shape attitudes and interest. So their lack of interest made it tougher for the Rams to be a draw. I think it's not totally fair to blame the Rams for not winning the Super Bowl as the reason for the lack of interest. Most years, they were a very good team with a high winning percentage.
And look who the LA Times uses to cover the Rams: Lindsay Thiery? Really? Yes I know there's others, but none are very good.
Thank goodness for the Internet and alternative media for those of us that do follow the NFL and the Rams. And thank goodness for Jourdan R. She has revived REAL football coverage for our team that has a wonderful mix of true football knowledge along with a good relationship with the Rams FO and players that gives her good access.
Of course I'm biased. The LA Times is an overall lousy newspaper that needs to be re-branded as The Hollywood Reporter or Facebook in Print.