Some Call The Six-Figure Fee 'Checkbook Journalism'

NBC News wound up with the exclusive rights to air video captured by skydivers involved in a mid-air collision over Superior, WI last week after writing a six-figure check to "license" the video.

The network is said to have compensated the nine skydivers and two pilots involved in the accident to appear on the "Today" show as well as a story appearing on the "NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams."  A one-hour "Dateline NBC" special is also planned, according to a report from The Washington Post.

The compensation is reportedly for exclusive interviews as well as video captured by cameras mounted on the skydivers' helmets. Mike Robinson of Skydive Superior said the group could do other print or radio interviews, but they had made an agreement with NBC for exclusive television rights.

The exact amount paid to the group was not disclosed, but individuals said that it was "in excess of $100,000." So-called "Checkbook Journalism" is generally frowned upon in the mainstream media, and is considered unethical by the Society of Professional Journalists.

But NBC sees it differently. In a statement, NBC News spokeswoman Ali Zelenko said the network was "proud to have this remarkable footage of human survival" that is available across all of their platforms and broadcasts.

FMI: www.nbc.com