It happens a lot. Today was just the latest violation. Channel One’s "News Standards" were published several years ago in an effort to ease growing concerns about the sloppy quality of their TV show. The new crew at Channel One now probably doesn’t even know about the policies the company created.
Channel One vowed never to allow a guest host to plug any CD, movie or TV show. Unfortunately, if you wave enough money under the nose of a Channel One employee, he or she will conveniently forget about their principles or any news standards.
Aaron Carter is billed as the " Prince of Pop" and his record company arranged for his appearance on Channel One today. Over the last few years, Channel One has been selling its guest host position to the highest bidders. Vertical Horizon was a recent visitor on the show. Not only musical stars, but TV and movie stars have also been promoted on Channel One.
Students were told of Carter’s newest CD "Oh, Aaron" and that his songs would be played throughout today’s show. Five songs in all were played. If taxpayers knew about this, then there would be some angry people.
Plugging this artist is on top of the two minutes of regular commercials. Channel One has not only violated their flimsy news standards but also their contractual obligation to limit ads to two minutes.
To make matters worse, Channel One urged students to go to their web site, channelone.com, to read more advertising about Aaron Carter. Channel One even has a contest that is a very transparent method of shaking kids down for personal information for their marketing purpose.
