I had the same experience and quickly developed a deep distrust of all reporters. Even when they may not have consciously distorted things for an agenda, they never accurately reported what was said (this despite having a tape recorder running through the interview) and very often reported things as entirely opposite from what was meant. Then I had the opportunity of traveling in a group which included several reporters and discovered them to be the laziest and most consistently drunk people I’d ever met. They were the Delta Tau Chi Animal House fraternity all grown up, graduated with the only college degree they’re sub-average intellects would allow.
Back in '96, I went to a Dole campaign stop and was approached by a St. Petersburg Times (now, Tampa Bay Times) reporter-ette. She asked a question," Are you disappointed that Jack Kemp (VP candidate) did not come to this event"?
Instinctively, I saw this as a have-you-stopped-beating-your-wife question. I replied by NOT answering the question, " Bob Dole is the right candidate for president".
She glared at me with a sourpuss and moved on to her next "victim".
Devious scoundrels.
Frankly, I don't know anybody who has had a good experience with the media. Everybody has either dealt with lies or misrepresentation due to ignorance. As a group, journalists simply aren't very smart.