Those were individual reporters. These claims come from multuple reporters/different sources (i.e., Newsweek, Fox News, etc.)
Are you suggesting a conspiracy or multiple falsifying reporters?
Specifically, the "bathrobe/towel" story came from Newsweek. Someone is lying - either Schmidt is CHA or the Newsweek source is lying or the Newsweek reporter is lying. Given that no one from the McCain campaign is making on-the-record comments and Schmidt is, I think it's a possibility the "bathrobe/towel" story is fabricated.