This is all kind of my point? There is some data in most newspapers that is of interest to folks and could be used. Sports scores, basic weather, fashion trends, etc. However, if that is actually something you are using to make a decision, you are almost certainly able to get the data in a more rapid and actionable way. You won't be waiting for it to show up in the general news.

Similarly, at a state level, you know they are the same. They have data feeds that are not released to the public.

Which brings us back to my point, what is there of value in the news for most people? I can think of very little personal value there.

Now, I can see great political and public value in making sure you have an informed population. Such that I am not claiming there is no value in it. Hard to show a direct bottom line value to individuals, though. And we are discussing why individuals won't pay.

You'd trust the news over a government evacuation order though? I certainly wouldn't. The news does a terrible job of covering war, especially now a days where it seems there are fewer embedded journalists actually on the front lines versus just covering a generals press conference dozens of miles away from any action.