How true! It came up originally because the discrepancy between what the news guys were saying and what was almost certainly actually happening was just another indication of how little trust you can put into early news reports.
They were really confused by the runway numbering system! Had the poor guy taking off in all directions and even had him landing the opposite direction on the river.
I suspect Capt. Sully would make a much better reporter than the reporters would make airline pilots!
It's not just the early reports! Two examples
1. During Desert Storm one of the networks had video of an F-16 taking off...in afterburner. The "aviation" expert said, "What we are looking at here is the rear thruster-booster on a fighter-bomber that is landing. LOL
2. Another aviation expert talking about JFK Jrs crash saying that you turn the aircraft with the rudder.