“...have to start with the assumption that one’s audience was ignorant of the subject matter, no”
No, sorry - I don’t agree with you there.
Finding information and facts are these peoples’ professions - just like you and I are professional at what we do.
Expounding on what they believe and sharing information they have found does not automatically assume people are ignorant....take Rush for example - he’s bombastic (some would say arrogant) but he has educated millions of Americans - wouldn’t you agree?
He's certainly reached millions and entertained them.
I would not say he has educated them. Folks will tell you
that Limbaugh does NOT tell them what to think, but rather
gives a voice to what they believe. He basically plays to
his audience, telling them what they want to hear.
I would not characterize that as "education".