Knowledge Of Subject Not Necessary For AP Reporter

I was browsing the Military Reporters & Editors website, where I noticed this ad:

Job Opening (March 15, 2007)
INTELLIGENCE REPORTER
The Associated Press is seeking an experienced journalist to join its reporting staff and cover intelligence issues from the nation's capital.

Coverage areas include the intelligence agencies and Hill committees with oversight. Responsible for aggressive and imaginative pursuit of stories, solid reporting and attractive writing. Must have extensive reporting experience, with demonstrated excellent journalism skills.

Must have demonstrated the ability to develop sources and break stories against intense competition. Prior experience covering intelligence is a plus. Should be versatile, aggressive, productive and enterprising, with a thorough knowledge of the AP and enthusiasm for its mission. Send resume to administrative assistant Naoko Kadogawa at nkadogawa@ap.org. [emphasis added]

Wonder why so many of the news articles you read, or steam over, are lacking essential information or perspective? Wonder no longer. Knowledge and experience of the subject is only a “plus.”

Would the AP advertise for a sports reporter for whom knowledge and experience with baseball, basketball, football, soccer, hockey, tennis, and so forth is only a “plus,” rather than essential and primary?

So, why should the AP believe that knowledge and experience of intelligence, or medicine, or any other important and technical subject only requires a “plus”?