More likely than not, it was a last-minute request. They do it ALL THE TIME. Many times the reporters will call at the end of the work day, after hours, or refuse to speak with anyone else but their intended target. Then they claim "no reponse", "no comment" or "did not return calls", which in essence is a twisting of the truth that comes off looking like someone was avoiding them. It covers their butt and makes the target look bad.
Maybe. But if so then it really should have been addressed in this press release.