Debate: Earned vs. Paid Media

By definition, the biggest difference between advertising and public relations is that company's pay for media advertisements in advertising, while public relations professionals must earn media coverage.

Recently, certain reporters and bloggers have tried to charge for coverage. Essentially, if the PR person for ABC company wants a certain reporter to cover their story, then they will charge a certain fee. Traditionally, this has been seen as unethical, as I'm inclined to believe. How can a reporter charge for relaying the news? If this is allowed in the future, who's to say that the news won't be completely controlled by the media and consumer culture? (True, it is partially, but where do we draw the line?)

What do you think? Is paying for media coverage unethical? Let us know in the comments below!