I've solved all these problems by refusing to watch TV news. If I read a report or hear it on the radio (about climbing) I discount it as complete bs.
If a nonclimbing friend tells me about a story they saw or read I tell them the chances are 95% the reporter doesn't know what they are talking about.
And if a relative confronts me about climbing, I give them a big grin, look them straight in the eye, and tell them I like climbing because I'm totally crazy.