It's B.S. They didn't want to bring in counter-protestors in order to call attention to the FReeping. If there were counter-protests, then the press would be forced to cover it.
Don't count on it. Their bias doesn't have a ethical bottom. I have seen them concentrate on Left-wing protest and causes and totally ignore those of the right even when they were larger in crowd size. Remember, big media doesn't have to lie, they get to choose what you the viewer sees, and can manipulate the news by only showing the side they agree with.