There are many voices speaking for this technology and its benefits. Everyone has a vested interest in these benefits, they just don't all know it yet. There are necessary roles for all interested segments to play, public or private, research or industry, policy maker or news reporter. This is just one element of news, as defined by journalists. Importance is another.
Relevance is yet another.
Timeliness is a biggie. Authority is important in selecting sources, but it is slightly broader than how academia may define it. This issue is controversial, timely and important, carrying elevated news value. Jaded reporters may struggle to make it relevant, and that's where science can help, and will go the easy route unless their understanding is enhanced. Unlike some, I think it likely that anit-biotech forces will be successful in the keeping their views on the scope in the U.S., if for no reason other than because they have shown some sophisticated strategy to date.