Hmmm, Janie... I didn't specifically see/hear that, but I'd not be surprised. I do know that various areas get 'stereotyped' as to behavior, culture...etc. The 'South', Maine, California, Texas-- as do stories about various ethnic groups.
I think it's partly because some places, including Appalachia in general and W. Virginia in particular, are somewhat self-conciously defensive about their image. Almost all stereotypes have some real basis...which is often awkwardly exaggerated by the media as they try to flesh out a 'story'. It ain't fair, but it happens.

Whether or not W.Va, is "...substantially different from many other rural places in America", it IS different. People can't live in those areas, doing what it takes to survive and cope and not be different. They cultivate that difference to some extent. Add to that all the movies, 'country' songs and lack of interest by outsiders except when there is some disaster or scandal, and it's no wonder that 2nd string reporters sent off to cover the events end up 'flavoring' the interviews and sound bytes in certain ways.

By and large, I thought they did 'reasonably' well conveying the magnitude of the event and the profound sense of loss and frustration those folks feel as history repeats all to often. Then....perhaps *I* am just not sensitive enough to it all, having never lived there.