"But if it HAD been live, and the guy tells you for the 5th time, "I'm not gonna talk about that", it's time to move on."

I guess you are right in terms of a live broadcast. I think the audience would get the point that the guest is being evasive and holding back - and that the host gave plenty of opportunity to allow the guest to answer. Often THAT is the reason why questions are rephrased and asked again.

I do see your point about the trooper though. It sounds as if the reporter had air time to fill, saw they were at a deadend and tried to get the answer another way.