Ensuring Scoops: The Vague Boundaries of Checkbook Journalism
Abstract
The goal of checkbook journalism is to ensure scoops. Although the practice of paying sources of news reporting does not like in all countries or in respectable media, this formula is widespread in TV networks, where the war for audiences has led many programs to use questionable methods, from an ethical perspective, in order to protect their exclusives. The aim of this paper is to theorize about this practice, which has adopted many ways in the last decade, apart from traditional cash payments. From a methodological point of view, we include a critical literature review and a descriptive analysis of representative cases. The results of the investigation reveal the vague boundaries of checkbook journalism, which includes a wide variety of payment modes, the actors involved in the process and the merchandises sold.
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