Cash for coverage common in the U.K

Folio: The Magazine for Magazine Management, Sept 1, 1992

There's a malaise spreading in the British magazine industry and, like mad-cow disease, it shouldn't be allowed to spread here. According to the London-based UK Press Gazette, "an extremely large number" of controlled circulation and business titles are asking sources who submit photographs for editorial consideration, such as book reviews and new product news, to pay the color separation charges-usually about 200 pounds.

"That is well, well over the price of color separations," says Mike Dash, magazines editor of the UK Press Gazette. "With about eight new products per page, you can work it out for yourself." The Institute of Journalists and Institute of Public Relations, two British trade groups, have condemned the practice. American Business Press president John Emery says he hasn't heard of the practice here in America, but adds, "It smacks of selling editorial."