Final answer:
The statement is false; 'Earned media' means exposure not paid for by the brand. It contrasts with paid media where the company directly pays for advertisements and promotions. Ethical issues arise regarding disclosure of paid relationships in brand ambassadorship.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement "'Earned' media is exposure your brand has paid for, e.g., advertising or promotions" is false. Earned media refers to the exposure a brand receives through methods other than paid advertising. This can include word-of-mouth, customer reviews, news media coverage, or social media mentions that occur organically without the company paying for it. On the other hand, paid media involves direct payment for exposure, such as advertisements and promotional content.
One ethical question in this arena is the requirement for paid ambassadors to disclose their relationship with a company. The online environment allows for more transparency where sponsorship information can be easily included, whereas in-person scenarios may not readily reveal a financial relationship. Moreover, media both reflects and influences culture, with mainstream outlets often presenting a homogenized view. Still, alternative discourses and anti-consumerist movements challenge these dominant narratives, offering diversity in viewpoints and resisting the commercial pressure of consuming unnecessary products.