Bobby has been assigned to report about the impact of the construction of a new hotel and casino on the local environment and economy. When he goes to the hotel, the owner, Mike, offers him a complementary press card, which entitles him and a guest to stay free for two nights at the hotel. When Bobby inquires, Mike says that he gives these passes to all press members as a way of “saying thanks for all they do for the community.” Identify the term used to describe what is going on in this situation and why, and explain how Bobby should react to the situation.

What will be an ideal response?

The term for the tactic Mike is trying to use on Bobby is manipulation. Mike is probably doing this so Bobby will cover his hotel in a positive way. Mike tries to justify this by saying he is doing it as a way of saying thanks and that he does it for all press members. According to all codes of journalistic conduct, Bobby is wrong to accept the gift, even if he uses it on his own time, because it could skew his judgment or give the impression that it is skewing his judgment. This could jeopardize his integrity. Therefore, Bobby should refuse the gift and make it clear that it would be inappropriate for him to accept such a gift.