This article really sums it up:
ABC takes dim view of Star Jones' on-air plugs
There's a little thing in journalism -- even TV journalism -- called ethics. Basically, it means you're not supposed to accept goodies in exchange for coverage.
According to the New York Post, ABC recently put a stop to "The View" diva and Payless ShoeSource spokeswoman Star Jones' greedy on-air plugs of her wedding suppliers. The network honchos were worried that her incessant thumbs-up reviews of their services would violate Federal Communications Commission rules.
As Jones' Nov. 13 wedding to Al Reynolds draws nearer, Star has irked her bosses, because everything connected with the wedding -- from invitations and flowers to dresses and makeup -- Jones got for free in return for promises of publicity.
One ticked-off vendor -- who claims Jones guaranteed to do a segment on "The View" about their products -- recently received an e-mail from ABC daytime director Randall Barone.
It read: "I understand that you have made arrangements to provide certain products for inclusion in a segment on 'The View' regarding Star Jones' bridal party gift bag. That segment will not be airing on 'The View.'"
Soon after, the vendor got an e-mail from Jones, which stated: "I have recently been informed that 'The View' has re-evaluated its needs and does not plan to include this (wedding) segment ... and thus will not be able to give you the thanks you very much deserve (for contributing to her goodie bag.) Not to worry. ... My public relations firm (PMK) and I have agreed to do several segments with one of the major syndicated evening entertainment programs. ... Further, (we) are in the process of deciding which print. ... outlet that we will give the photo of the goodie bag and its contents to."
The vendor was unimpressed with Star's promises and pulled out of the "goodie bag."
Karl Nilsson, a rep for "The View," said: "We consider the wedding-related segments (that have already aired) ... to be of legitimate interest to the viewer, and we believe that full disclosure regarding any promotional consideration was made, consistent with the law and industry practice."
Jones fumed to the Post: "I can assure you I have done nothing illegal, immoral or unethical and more importantly, nothing ABC has not agreed to and signed off on! I can assure you I never personally promised a segment on 'The View.'"
More importantly, does this mean the bridesmaids will be wearing Payless pumps?
My mother always used to say, "The older you get, the better you get, unless you're a banana." - Rose Nyland