"The Armstrong Williams scandal is an example of the close coordination between the advertiser and the commentator ... that violates disclosure and conflicts-of-interest principles," the Center for Media and Democracy's Sheldon Rampton told the New York Times' Timothy O'Brien.

"The new year saw the launch of a well-orchestrated, multi-pronged campaign calling for America to end its dependence on oil through massive federal investments in nuclear energy," warns Patrick Doherty.

McDonald's and MTV Networks have partnered, in a bid by the fast-food giant "to reach young people without running advertisements." Instead of ads, a new "30-minute monthly programme called MTV Advance Warning" will "feature new musical talent combined with McDonald's advertising imagery." The program will run in the U.S., Latin America, Europe and Asia. The move comes as officials in the U.S.