The reality of the matter is that a lot of papers do accept these free perks -- from simple things like movie passes all the way up to and including meals and cruises. I'm stunned the LA Times permits their travel writer to comp cruises.

Automobile section writers in newspapers are also some of the most notorious for cozying up to local dealers and writing favorable reviews. I knew a guy when I worked at a newspaper once who always, always raved about whatever new car Cadillac came out with. Funny how he always drove a new one every yeat, too.

I agree with what others have said -- this kind of conflict of interest is unethical and undermines the credibility of the writers and their publications.