2 chapters across the catalog
NPR CEO Jarl Mohn discusses the potential for "sponsored content" or native advertising on public radio. While he expresses concern that it might "blur the lines" and damage NPR's credibility with its "unique brand of listener," he admits the network may eventually have to adopt the practice to survive.
The rise of native advertising—ads designed to look like editorial content—is discussed as a threat to traditional journalism. Politico recently hired a "native officer" to lead its branded content department, following the lead of The Washington Post and The Atlantic. The hosts argue that outlets like Vice are essentially advertising agencies disguised as news organizations, where high production budgets are used to obfuscate the promotional nature of the content.
