Secret Squirrel wondering...

I'm a regular reader with a question you can probably answer on your blog.  All the local daytime "news" and feature shows have segments where they talk with local businesses that promote their products and services. Do they pay the stations for this air time, or get it gratis? If they pay or trade-out for it, aren't the stations required to say that they were compensated for airing it, since it is presented as "news" rather than as an advertisement? At least one Inquiring mind wants to know! Thanks!

My understanding is that featured companies buy or trade their segments.  The sponsor creds usually roll in the end-credits of the show. But if you're a registered MB subscriber and know differently, please enlighten us further.

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