Not OP, but for me it's an economist subscription. I've also dropped most of my news app usage (I feel disconnecting from the news altogether is a little too drastic) but I definitely feel less irritated without missing too much.

Same for me (reading The Economist). Having a few days or a week to filter news down means I still hear about things in a semi-timely manner but that I don't seem to get caught up in most media's daily churn.

I pay for certain categories: some software (eg, lwn), some industry associations, government/law, and economics (Economist is not one, but is a great idea).

The Economist and Stratechery for me. Also CaspianReport for bigger picture geopolitical stuff. CaspianReport is free, but I give on Patreon which ensures he can focus on quality content rather than attracting advertisers.

I really like the Patreon model, I give to 20+ different Youtubers and writers because I hate what advertisers and corporations have done to modern day media, making it all about eyeballs instead of education.

Well, I'll just say this article (and a lot of them from the author) about the independent journalism business are worth reading: https://talkingpointsmemo.com/edblog/nuts-and-bolts-of-prime...