Well, here's my theory.  Such talking heads either --

a) think 'carbs' = grain or
b) haven't grasped the simple fact that vegetables contain carbohydrates
(duh!).
I know I'm writing in a somewhat light tone, but this is a serious question.
  Do these people have NO IDEA that the average low-carber eats more
leafy-greens than the average Johnny Q. Punchcard?  Considerably more, by
the way.  Or that vegetables DO have carbohydrates?  Can they REALLY be that
dumb?  Dori

Great observation, Dori.  This is very pervasive.  I think it extends from the tendency in media reports to round off all the edges and string sound bytes.  I think low carb is somewhat a code word for the Atkins "induction" phase, ie practically zero (less than 20 grams) carbs.  I think, initially, Atkins did not even pay lip service to the concept of deducting fiber for the "true" carb count.  How often have you  seen a credible treatment of paleo concepts in the mass media presented by someone who has the done the homework and understands it? One of the few examples is the NY Times guy that you have cited on occasion.  Rick