I read the news to judge what the propagandist want me to know, not to actually learn things.
I find skimming NYT’s and FOX’s headlines are perfectly satisfactory. If anything peaks my interest I do independent analysis, putting weight on primary sources. I often try to listen in on experts discussing the matter among themselves.
It maybe consumes 1-3 hours a week to skim headlines. More research as needed, and mostly focused on matters I have a direct interest in (interest as in money on the line) so it counts as work.
It’s small potatoes for time, most people spend way more on television and social media.
