Apple, NBC embarrassed by payola revelations


The Washington Post reports that NBC Today tech editor, Corey Greenberg, accepted payments from Sony, Hewlett-Packard, Seiko Epson, Creative Technology, Energizer Holdings and our favorite fruit company, Apple to speak those companies products. Greenberg is said to have charged $15,000 per appearance to act as a "...a spokesperson who could talk credibly and understandably about consumer products."

During one appearance, Greenberg was cut short in his paean to the Apple iPod by co-host Matt Lauer who said, "Let's cut the Apple commercial here right now, okay?"

According to the report, Greenberg states that NBC knew of his "outside work." Further, he said that he would no longer payments.

Dumb locals

The Post goes on to explain that the "art of product placement" has been handled quietly in television news. In ways we're all likely familiar with, a seemingly endless number of segments about the latest and greatest computers, cameras, music players and other gadgets, experts are praising products--often on "satellite tours" of local stations--without disclosing that manufacturers were/are paying them to spread the word.

Editor's note: How's that for media credibility. But, hey, everybody's doing it, right?

What's your take?