I've never heard of the media outlets at the top section of the pyramid. NPR is usually more interested in pushing an agenda than discussing ideas; I'd leave it in the high consumption level, but with the disclaimer that much of the content is not objective, nor
disinterested.
Art and theater being the placed as the best sources of ideas is irrational. The whole point of art and theater is to evoke emotion, which we (should) all know is usually irrational. What to do about something should have very little to do with how you feel about it, and everything to do with what you know about it.
I've listened to a little Lionel Nation at your recommendation, and enjoy it in small doses. Too loud for my taste. Dave Rubin is what it's all about. I listen to Shapiro more than anyone else, but mostly because I can casually listen. A little loud for my taste, but his logic and criticisms have some balance despite his strong conservatism. Still working my way through Jordan Peterson content. As for the fast food media outlets, I avoid them unless it's already playing somewhere else, such as a gym locker room. Their use of children to discuss the validity of civil liberties speaks to their vapid ideas on the matter, and assumes that their audience likewise lack depth of thought.
I used to have Newsy on as background noise since they rapidly cover a range of topics that may be interesting subjects of further research.