It really helps with the focus issue. It’s not as easy to forget what you just read when you have audio and visual input. And I like having a dedicated reading time because I would probably be mindlessly watching TV or browsing reddit (rip).
I try to have dedicated time to read/listen to books. I recently started to read an ebook and listen to the audiobook at the same time. I usually only listen to audiobooks with narrators I enjoy listening to so I don’t mind if they read at a slower pace than I read in my head. I read PHM, the entire Bobiverse series, one of Obama’s books, one of Trever Noah’s books, and planning on reading The Three Body Problem this way.
You can get NY times for just $4 a month. I personally think it’s worth it.