Skin Product Company Offers Journalists Cash for Favorable Coverage

Posted on May 9, 2011

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The scholarly sounding American Institute of Advanced Medicine is circulating a letter that asks newspaper editors to publish a promotional press release in exchange for $100 for every new customer the “editorial” ad creates.

The ad, which promises to cure a number of different skin disorders, is an example of how private interests attempt to influence journalism. Gary Schwitzer over at MedPage Today doesn’t think many publications will take the bait: “I’d like to offer a $100 reward to anyone who can find an example of a news organization that publishes the news release.” —ARK

Poynter:

Dear Editor or Health Editor:

Would you consider running our press release as a win-win project? We will pay $100 for every Skin Care Patient who sees the press release in your newspaper and commits to our exclusive and effective process. We monitor each incoming patient and where they heard about us. Our total costs are only $500. Call Gary Heesch, our Consulting Director at 1-877-414-2426 for arrangements.

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