Do automakers bribe journalists, and if so, how exactly do they do that? In a video by Sam Alexander shared on YouTube titled “How Auto Companies Bribe Journalists”, Sam discussed the legal means by which auto companies such as Toyota, Honda, GM, Ford, Volkswagen and others can bribe journalists. for positive coverage. Sam noted that the only automaker not playing this game is Tesla and he shared how this affects reporting on Tesla in general.
Sam opened up his video about Tesla’s quality control and asked if it’s a legitimate issue or one that automotive journalists just amplify because it’s not a fair comparison, apples with apples.
“It could actually be that these reporters aren’t actually comparing apples to apples. Bribery and corruption in the media seem to be just facts of life at this point in history. And while many recognize this fact when it comes to politics, many people seem to believe that it doesn’t stray from the political world.
Sam explained that he is often asked why he calls out so many media outlets for their clear and current biases against Tesla as well as electric vehicles. He explained that the purpose of this particular video should help answer that question.
Many Tesla critics find me on Twitter, through my personal jewelry website, or other social sites such as Instagram and often accuse me of spreading Tesla propaganda. I own a part of Tesla (I had to sell the other), but even Benzinga gives the impression that I am making substantial profits in his article on Elon Musk’s response to one of my Clean Technica articles.
“Although this is not, in my opinion, a crime, it should be noted that VW is a competitor of Tesla and that Germany is VW territory. That aside, the biggest problem is coal” , wrote Johnna Crider, who has personal investments in Tesla, for CleanTechnica.
I think it’s unfair how much media outlets have treated Tesla supporters, customers, and even other writers like me who cover Tesla fairly. And some of the craziest critics have even sent me horrible messages on my personal website, all because they really hate Tesla. You would think I’m supporting an unpopular political candidate or something instead of advocating for electric vehicles and sustainability.
Trivial as it may seem, Sam pointed out that the auto industry provides the clearest view he has found of the power dynamics between big business, government, lobbying, media and ultimately the way of manipulating the consumer.
“You can think of this as a kind of case study. A case study of how power corrupts and the pursuit of profit maximization at all costs cannot be a company’s end goal. Like in life, there has to be something more important than money at the heart of the business or they will end up lost in this pursuit.
Tesla’s end game, unlike many automakers, is not profit maximization at all costs. Tesla has been very vocal about its mission to accelerate the transition to sustainability. In August 2021, while at Giga Berlin, Elon Musk gave an inspiring message. He said,
“Do you want to wake up every morning, everything is just a problem? But what inspires you? What excites you for the future? There must be things like that.
In his video, Sam talked about the relationship between the media, and more specifically for this video, automotive journalists and their relationship with car manufacturers.
“Automotive journalists are paid without being technically paid in order to write a more positive review of cars. They are regularly flown to luxury destinations and lodged in five-star hotels and given expensive meals, all paid for by manufacturers automobiles, so they can appraise a new car.
When I went to both Tesla events (Plaid and AI Day), I had to borrow money from friends to pay for the flights. I was also lucky to have friends from the Tesla community in the area to help me find places to stay and get to events. It was the Tesla community that helped me out of the kindness of their hearts. I must also say that the Tesla community also helped my area during Hurricane Ida. I bring this up because transparency is important. However, to repeat: Tesla did not cover my flights, hotel stays or anything else.
Elon Musk has been nice to me in the past. He donated to charities in my state during Hurricane Laura. He has also made donations to other causes dear to him. But I don’t think that counts as paying me to write great stuff.
I think Sam’s video is very informative and a must for everyone, especially those of us who write about cars. Personally, I’ll take it as constructive feedback with the goal of improving my own writing and fighting for fairness. I admit that I can be a bit brutal in my honesty (especially when I’m passionate about something or really angry). However, I am also human.