The main thing that drives the Bitcoin economy is shouting from the rooftops. When there is a new article released and it talks good about coins, the price goes up.
Yes - this is significant and recently we have seen increased interest globally in Bitcoins. Hence, in my opinion, the consolidation of value we are now seeing through the gradual, sure but steady rise in value.
But to get the attention of Liberal media, the community would have to stop supporting greed and start supporting the future of the entire community (More people forming BTC groups that work together to trade and manipulate the markets. More people starting stores that accept Bitcoins and Alt-coin, etc etc).
Yes - this is happening as well - more and more people are now aware of Bitcoin - more and more businesses are incorporating it into their own business models.
I think for the long term, the future is very bright