PR firms: We pay Chinese media outlets for client coverage

A report in The New York Times details the widespread practice of paying major media outlets in China for flattering coverage. Technically, it’s illegal, although that doesn’t stop some media organizations from publishing rate cards showing news-for-sale prices, the Times said.

PR firms discussed the practice it with the Times:

“Ogilvy & Mather, one of the world’s biggest public relations and advertising agencies, acknowledged that it pays Chinese media outlets for client coverage in some categories.