This is BS check California law only confidential conversations are prevented from being recorded without two party consent. Unless the reporters asked that the conversation be confidential, IMO no violation.
I have litigated the issue in court and you’re opinion wouldn’t hold water. It’s not so much the subject matter of the conversation, but the means of communication. Phone calls, in that respect, are confidential. Of course, LEOs are exempt in the furtherance of their duties.