Houston Public Media, which operates News 88.7, is acting after it faced criticism following a paid Chevron segment that some viewers said could mistake for independent news reporting.
The Houston Chronicle reports that the media outlet will examine all advertiser-sponsored content on Houston Public Media’s radio and television stations and website.
Last week, Houston Public Media, the local public television and radio affiliate, notified that it had pulled the Chevron segment amid outcry over its absence of identification as sponsored content. In the past, paid content for the company has included features on local health care issues sponsored by nonprofits such as United Way.
Chevron officials praised their company’s commitment to the energy transition to clean energy during the segment. However, this incident led to many journalists and environmentalists calling out Houston Public Media.
“Chevron sponsored the series but had no editorial oversight of the content,” General Manager Lisa Shumate said in a note to the staff. “We acknowledge that this created confusion.”
Furthermore, Shumate stated that Houston Public Media plans to temporarily suspend similar content as they review it.
“These are not news programs,” she wrote to staff. “They air in programming breaks and appear on our digital platforms. We are reviewing our production process and are suspending the CounterAct series. We have also paused all other community catalysts projects.”
Eduardo Razo is the Assistant Content Editor for BNM, which includes writing daily news stories on the news media industry. He can be found on Twitter @eddierazo_ or you can reach him by email at eddie1991razo@gmail.com.
