It's truly sad what passes for journalism. Look at any story that involves anything technological and this happens.
The reporter can't think to go to one radio store and ask them about scanners? How about someone at the local FCC office? They could google the words "scanner" and "narrowband" and try learning the subject.
Nope, just talk to one person who uses the radio, draw some incorrect conclusions and write a story. It's so adorable to watch "professional" "journalists" get indignant when people criticize them or put them on the same level as bloggers.
with budgets being what they are and the typical fish wrapper/cat litter box liner starving for advertising revenue, reporters often cover multiple stories across sections, have insane deadlines to meet, and don't have the time or resources anymore.
not making excuses, it's just how it is. they use Google and Wikipedia for sources nowadays, beating the streets takes time, effort, resources and welll...$$$$. reporters don't make what they used to, and unless it's a big story, filler content like this is just that: fluff and hot air to fill space that isn't being used by advertisers.
the industry is dying a slow, certain death. these are the same people who think that paywalls on their website will make you want to pay to read this rubbish. where do I sign up!