Because the important distinction here is between (1) media that is state-funded in the sense that the state owns it and guides its editorial priorities, and (2) media that is state-funded in the sense that like almost every other enterprise, some small share of its operating budget is a consequence of state spending.

Calling (2) "state-funded" when the signal was clearly intended to indicate (1) is disingenuous and eliminates the value of the signal.