I've been "quoted" in a couple of news events over the years, and in each case the resulting news item has been abysmal. So in general I take all news-filler with a pinch of salt.
Having said that, I also work with journos who go into war zones and/or ask difficult questions in very closed countries. They have my highest respect.
Difficult to tell the buggers apart unless you've been exposed to the industry, though. And that's ultimately the problem, because most people don't understand the need to sorth the wheat from the chaff, and even more people don't feel inclined to, anyway.