Which option represents an earned media example?

Which option represents an earned media example?

• A. A paid influencer fee
• B. A sponsored post
• C. Publicity gained through organic efforts, such as press coverage
• D. A paid banner ad

Answer: (C)

Earned media happens when coverage comes from independent third parties without paid placement. Publicity gained through organic efforts, such as press coverage, is the classic example. This happens when journalists or outlets choose to feature a story because it’s newsworthy or valuable, not because someone paid for it. That lack of paid placement makes earned media feel more credible to audiences. By contrast, paid options—like paying an influencer, sponsoring a post, or buying a banner ad—are placements you purchase and do not count as earned media.

Earned media happens when coverage comes from independent third parties without paid placement. Publicity gained through organic efforts, such as press coverage, is the classic example. This happens when journalists or outlets choose to feature a story because it’s newsworthy or valuable, not because someone paid for it. That lack of paid placement makes earned media feel more credible to audiences. By contrast, paid options—like paying an influencer, sponsoring a post, or buying a banner ad—are placements you purchase and do not count as earned media.