I think many prefer the snooty, intellectual, arrogant style of NPR over the street fighter types like Sly who come across as left-wing versions of Hannity.
Plus they feel good when they make those BIG pledges to NPR stations (and deduct them from their taxes!).
I listen to some music programs on NPR, enjoying the fact that it has been paid for by liberals.
I dont know if she is still on NPR (she was old when I was listening twenty years ago) but Diane Rehm drove me away from NPR.