I notice that I can get just as much "real news" down here as I could back in the States. I'm well versed on world events and culture, and it's important for me to keep up on issues that might be relevant to my profession and my lifestyle. That said, I'm happy I don't have to listen to all the political bickering - that part of US and Western media does nothing for me, it only makes me upset.
All that said, I think that managing anxiety isn't about "control", but rather it's about "letting go". You don't have to continue to absorb and inhale everything that triggers you, just try letting go of the things that bother you in your life. If that's news, then turn off the TV. Good luck!