checkbook journalism
Paying for scoops
Checkbook journalism is the practice of paying sources for their stories, interviews, or exclusive access.
News organizations traditionally frown on it because money creates incentives to exaggerate or fabricate.
Tabloids and celebrity media embrace it openly: The magazine paid six figures for the exclusive photos.
The term is always pejorative when applied to others.
- payolaBribes for airplay
- hush moneyPayment to ensure secrecy
- under the tableWithout official documentation
- briberyCorrupt payment for influence
- paymentFulfilling a financial obligation
scandal · transaction · media · conflicts of interest · credibility · exclusive rights · transparency · editorial independence · public trust · accountability · leak · media ethics · funding · payout · money trail · privacy violations · sponsorships · non-disclosure agreements
checkbook journalisminvestigative journalism
In-depth reporting exposing wrongdoing
investigative reporting · muckraking · watchdog journalism · in-depth reporting · ethical journalism
check, book, checkbook, checks, checked, checking, checker, checkers, books