Yes. I have to re-explain that concept quite frequently to people, as my new career takes it very seriously.
I saw your original post; of course, the media will play this situation if someone else (like someone who knows the real chronology of what happened) doesn't speak up.
Does your district have a media spokesperson? Generally there is a point person for issues like this. No one else should be talking to the media, except that person.
And, our state law is written the same way (based on what you said in your deleted post).