Hey, we've been asking that question for decades now.  Turns out we are not alone.  The same thing occurred to Adena Schutzberg, Executive Editor of Directions Magazine.  In a current article, “Geographic (and Other Types) of Metadata in the Newsroom,” she writes:

“Despite the growth of the Web and the maturation of
search engines, somehow word is not trickling down to the news media
about geographic and other types of metadata. I’m seeing just as many
stories, especially on local
newspaper websites, which convey no information regarding the location
of the events in question….”

Rave on, Adena, rave on.