4 chapters across the catalog
Native Advertising History and Taco Bell News Segments
Adam Curry revisits a 2013 clip from ABC News that he now identifies as an early example of "native advertising." The segment featured a human-interest story about customers "screaming" for a new Taco Bell product. Curry argues that major news networks frequently integrate paid corporate promotions into their standard news broadcasts under the guise of reporting.
Chelsea Clinton, Geico Gecko and Media Corruption
NBC's *Rock Center with Brian Williams* is criticized for a segment featuring Chelsea Clinton interviewing the Geico Gecko. The hosts argue that this "shameless plug" for the insurance mascot's new book represents the total corruption of news media, where advertisements are presented as editorial content. This is compared to recent long-form promotional segments for Taco Bell on other networks.
ABC Nightline, Taco Bell Puff Piece, Salmonella Outbreak
The hosts analyze a lengthy segment on ABC's Nightline that praised Taco Bell's marketing and corporate culture. They suggest the piece was a "make-good" for advertisers following a report by Diane Sawyer on a salmonella outbreak linked to the restaurant chain.
CNN Continued Promotion of Taco Bell Cantina Menu
The hosts revisit the Taco Bell promotion on CNN, highlighting the repetitive nature of the "gourmet" narrative across different news segments. They note the inclusion of a money-back guarantee in the reporting, which further aligns the news content with a commercial sales pitch. The segment is described as a "disgusting episode in the history of broadcasting."
