Is this actually legal? Can an organization/business legally hire someone to promote propaganda, etc..?

Question

Government-paid journalists
On September 8, 2006, Miami Herald's president Jesús Díaz Jr. fired three journalists because they had allegedly been paid by the United States Government to work in anti-Cuba propaganda TV and radio channels. The three were Pablo Alfonso, Wilfredo Cancio Isla and Olga Connor.[4]. Less than a month later, and following the pressure of the Cuban community in Miami, Díaz resigned after reinstating the fired journalists. Nevertheless, he continues claiming that such payments, especially if coming from organisms of the state, violate the principles of journalistic independence[5]. At least seven other journalists that do not work at the Herald, namely Miguel Cossio, Carlos Alberto Montaner, Juan Manuel Cao, Ariel Remos, Omar Claro, Helen Aguirre Ferre, Paul Crespo and Ninoska Perez-Castellón, were also paid for programs on Radio Martí or TV Martí [6], both financed by the government of the United States through the Broadcasting Board of Governors, receiving a total of between 15,000 and 175,000 USD since 2001.

Answer 1

It may be legal, but entirely unethical. That's advertisement, not journalism, and it's sick.

The purpose of having the Freedom of the Press is so that journalists could report the truth without fearing repercussions. Any newspaper that employs those journalists risks their reputation as a reliable source, and I imagine no decent paper would ever dare hire them.

Answer 2

Since the Government cannot restrict the press, it COULD be inferred that it cannot interfere with the press and the situation you describe would be interference.
I am not a lawyer, but I think you may have a case.
Otherwise, from another view point, what is ADVERTISING if not propaganda?
I think it would be unethical to disguise it as NEWS, but even advertisers do that with the willing participation of the media.
Example: all the news time dedicated to a new Disney movie on ABC television news. ABC is owned by Disney.

Answer 3

Whats the problem ?

They weren't paying them to write the articles in the newspapers they worked for.

Anyone is allowed to take outside jobs.

Voice of America was controlled by the US government.

There is nothing illegal or unethical about it.

Answer 4

Been doin' it for years. In the words of the immortal Fat Freddy, if the government says it's legal it must be legal...then he said...pass that joint.