Yes, you are correct. Former freelance writer here. I used to listen all of the time but finally got to where I couldn't stand it. Personally I find it intell

Yes, you are correct. Former freelance writer here. I used to listen all of the time but finally got to where I couldn't stand it. Personally I find it intellectually abusive. Just guessing, what it looks like happens is that special groups pitch their press releases at NPR. NPR selects a few. Then they hook up with an "expert" -- most likely recommended by the same group or mentioned in the release. The reporting consists of re-reading the PR lead, then throwing some softballs at the expert, who then basically just gives an impassioned speech about whatever their pet topic is. Put in startup terms, there's a hell of a lot of submarine pieces for various political causes. If you like that kind of thing that's fine. I have no problem with various editorial styles. I think what was off-putting to me was the clash between the smugness and self-congratulatory nature of the style -- and the actual quality of the reporting I was receiving.