While publicly funded news works well in some places, there is an inherent conflict of interest when the publicly funded journalists start investigating the source of their funding.

This is especially the case when a proto-strongman is attempting to consolidate power.

Publicly funded journalism cannot be the only way it works.

(I say this as a left-learning person generally supportive of public funding).

(Also, "entertainment" vs "an essential service" is a false dichotomy)