October 18, 2003

Buying the News

Bad Culture found this at the Washington Post:

But no, Mr. Land's station is pioneering the latest descent into pay-for-play journalism: It's selling segments on its "Today"-style morning program. For $2,500 you can buy four to six minutes of what is in fact an infomercial -- though only the most eagle-eyed viewers would be able to figure that out. No mention of payment is made during the segment; the only reference is a small-type, four-second display during the closing credits.
This would be no big deal if these segments were obviously commercials but they aren't and hopefully their ratings will soon reflect lie.

Posted by Steve on October 18, 2003
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