Reporters don't typically consider themselves to be 'serious researchers' and they have ethical standards all of their own...

They are told to be persistent
Because persistence pays off
Like persistant salesmen
At least he had the courtesy to be upfront about his intentions
Rather than pretending just so he could stay.

You have to be a bit careful with reporters...
Piss them off and who knows what they might say...
Ignore them and eventually they will get bored and go away...