I believe what's made NPR unlistenable is that you've decided a particular vocal affectation is objectively bad and annoying, so you notice it more and let the

I believe what's made NPR unlistenable is that you've decided a particular vocal affectation is objectively bad and annoying, so you notice it more and let the concept bother you. Personally, I can't help but smirk any time a talking head on cable news uses their `important newsperson voice`, but not everyone feels that way.