one of the most controversial issues in modern reporting is media bias, particularly on political issues, but also with regard to cultural and other issues. another is the controversial issue of checkbook journalism, which is the practice of news reporters paying sources for their information. in the u.s. it is generally considered unethical, with most mainstream newspapers and news shows having a policy forbidding it. while tabloid newspapers and tabloid television shows, which rely more on sensationalism, regularly engage in the practice.