> Media companies sell ads

Ad-powered media sells ads. There is plenty of media that is primarily subscription based. The difference is glaring.

Subscription based services also sell/push ads. Some will happily sell your data too. It makes no difference at all how much you pay them, it will always make them more money to take your subscription fee and sell you out too. Companies aren't known for leaving huge piles of money on the table. Shareholders won't stand for it.