The standards you describe are usually applied to speech concerning a "public figure." Negligence is enough in most states when the subject is a private person.
An article on the matter
From the manufacturers perspective that might be a problem. If a certified document outlining the legal characteristics of an AW in the media outlets location, or informing that a SAIGA is not an AWB, etc. was sent, then any further publishing to that effect might more easily qualify. Sending the info to AP/reuters and then suing them for any article they distribute would likely be effective.