@Aaron -
Unfortunately, it is true. But you are also absolutely correct, which is why I stated that not every vehicle does it. I never said reporters get squeezed or told what to do, nor have I called into question their particular ethics, but I have had *many* reps say they will get me into their editorial as part of committing $x of dollars. I have no idea how they intend to go about doing it, but that's what they say and makes me question fluff pieces about brand x, or restaurant y. Yes, I do buy ads. A lot of them. And you'd be shocked at how many operate like that (print AND broadcast), and it saddens me.
I did not want to start outing which ones do and which ones don't, so I won't respond to your post saying the big boys don't (but I will agree that they have too much to lose by doing so). Both you and Jon are also correct that magazines more often than not are the ones doing it.
But I do love the media that draw the line and separate paid/sponsors/editorial, of which Columbus certainly has.
@Jon - Agree about the "top ten" lists. I'd like to extend that to all "So-and-so"s top picks (similar idea), calendars/event listings, and family/fun/spring/summer/arts/bar/whatever guides. All of these exist not to inform readers of anything (because they don't pick it up, nor read them, anyhow), but to sell to businesses as a "you better be here because your competition is." I'm thinking about telling them, "your competition has the exact same guide coming out and better readership."