Cash-strapped local news stations will be happy to run your video news releases (VNR) that push your client's products. They'll even do you the favor of editing out the part where you disclose the segment was paid for. "A segment may appear to be an in-depth look at the travails of travelers during cold and flu season, but all its experts refer to Zicam nasal spray as a preferred treatment. A consumer-safety piece warns viewers about scam artists who dress up flood-damaged cars and sell them as if they're perfect — an announcement drenched in irony, considering that the news segment is actually a dressed-up ad for CarFax.com. A Halloween report delves into the origins of the jack-o'-lantern, but the reporter — who's not actually a reporter but a P.R. man — ends the story by suggesting holiday recipes from Betty Crocker. All of these pieces made it to news broadcasts near you." [Machinist]