If a tech journalist actually understood their subject matter at a competent level, they wouldn't be a journo and go out and get a job in that subject matter dramatically increasing their salary. Those that can't do, teach. Those that can't teach, become journalists???
I sometimes use lwn.net as an exemplary showcase of things non-tech journalists should learn (e.g.: add references whenever paraphrasing material some or all readers might have direct access to)