This is a question of law. I would like to know if it is illegal (not
simply unethical) for a media reviewer of products in the marketplace
(movies, music, new cars, restaurants and so on) to accept money (or
any other kind of renumeration) to write or broadcast on the subject
of the review. For example, is it legal for a newspaper's auto
columnist to agree to write a review of a vehicle if by doing so the
columnist will recieve, for his/her personal use, a  vehicle (or
anything else of value) from the person or entity making the request?
Is it legal for the columnist's editor, publisher or other superior to
direct the columnist to write a review when that superior will receive
something in return (advertising favors perhaps) from the person or
entity desiring the review? In the arts and entertainment field, is it
legal for a critic to accept something in return for a favorable
review of play, film, book or music release? Just to be certain my
point is clear, I already know that it is legal free speech for a
critic or reviewer to either toast or trash the subject of a review
for reasons having nothing to do with the merits of the product. A
film critic is free to dis a movie simply because he doesn't like the
way the leading man combs his hair. He is free to praise the same film
if its director agrees to a one-on-one interview. But does it become
illegal if the critic accepts the use of the director's Catskills
cabin for a weekend? For the record, this is not a "homework" question
and I would like it addressed by a researcher who is able to believe
that fact. No second class effort, please, just because it may "look"
like a homework question.