The job of the media is to hold the government to account. They can’t do that if they’re funded by the government.

Yes, and the fact that the current administration shut them down is proof that you can be (partially) tax funded and still be critical.

If people appreciate this media, they can pay for it, like they already do with their tax dollars. I see no reason why people need to be taxed so we can have NPR.

People with cars can pay for their streets themselves. If they love their streets so much, they’d just pay for them. There’s absolutely no reason for a government to provide infrastructure. Or is there?