How does the media get stories (the Dorner case) so wrong? Is it like a game of telephone?

It was widely reported yesterday that Dorner took 2 cleaning ladies hostage, a woman and her teenage daughter. In reality, it was a couple who owned the cabin that were bound and gagged. It was also reported that they were held hostage for days, when in reality it was for 15 minutes. My other question is: How did they not check those cabins closest to where he crashed his pick up?

• The authorities are often the last to speak to the media. Much of why you get during the first reports comes from whitnesses who my not know shit but will say anything to be on tv or just to feel important. Chances re they didn't getnit wrong. Chances are they said things like " we have an unconfirmed report.... We spoke to one whitness who said ..... One early report seems to indicate that ...." thisn sort of language is protecting the reporter but often heard as being factual by a listener.

• Just saw an interview with the couple that were held hostage. They explained that when she called 911 she told the operator she was worried about her housekeepers who might be on the property. Turns out they were in the next unit cleaning when this was all going on.