[alistproducer2]

From the article:

The fact is that in the midst of today’s 24-7 news cycle, most journalists can devote only a small amount of time to their next article, and so they often find themselves choosing topics that are convenient to write about. Imagine you’re a journalist in front of a blank screen, thinking about your next story, and faced with intense pressure to pump out content. There may be no clear breaking news on Clinton, Sanders, Cruz, or Kasich — so writing about these candidates may require you to conduct research or reach out to voters.

/endquote

I really think this is what it comes down to; this and the "access" issue, where reporters are scared of losing direct access to spokespeople and candidates who provide easy and ready-made stories and quotes. Without that, reporters are forced to, you know, report which they apparently don't have time for anymore.