NY1 Airs Piece On Trump SoHo Hotel: Review Or Advertisement?

Here’s a bit of localized media scrutiny: NY1′s travel segment, “Travel with Val,” which specializes in finding good deals within the city, did an extensive review of Donald Trump’s new SoHo hotel, complete with astronomical hotel prices, a TV show plug and reminders of how the hotel is helping the job market. At what point does a travel segment become an advertisement?

Travel guide Valerie D’Elia gives viewers a tour of the hotel, but along the way stops to comment on the social implications of the establishment, as well as Trump’s hit show “Celebrity Apprentice.” Language like “But now that it’s open and creating 400 jobs, Donald Trump Jr. says it’s turning heads and changing opinions” seems to cross the line between review and sales-pitching, since it neither educates viewers on the quality of the hotel or it accommodations. It’s strictly a political statement meant to embellish the reputation of the owner, as are the comments by Trump, Jr., himself, which don’t speak at all to experience of being lodged at the hotel.

There is a delicate balance to maintain, since travel reports necessarily require patronizing private businesses and interacting with its owners. Any review could be considered suspect. But just because the line is blurry doesn’t mean a leap straight across it isn’t easily recognizable.

Watch the segment below:

Follow us on Twitter.

Sign up for Mediaite's daily newsletter.