video news release

Video news releases, also known as prepackaged news stories, are video segments created or funded by private corporations or government agencies to appear like standard news programs. When these segments are aired without disclosing their origins, they violate rules on sponsorship disclosure.

In three separate cases; one in 2004 (Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services–Video News Releases), and two in 2005 (Office of National Drug Control Policy–Video News Release and Department of Education–No Child Left Behind Act Video News Release and Media Analysis) the Government Accountability Office (GAO) determined that prepackaged news stories produced by government contractors constituted illegal covert propaganda. See: GAO Release on Prepackaged News Stories. In justifying these decisions, the GAO noted that statutory limits on U.S. government-produced news reflect concerns about infringing on press freedom and attempting to control public opinion.

In a letter to agency heads, the GAO indicated that prepackaged news stories can be used without violating the law as long as there is clear disclosure to the television audience that the material was prepared by or in cooperation with the government department or agency. 

[Last reviewed in May of 2026 by the Wex Definitions Team] 

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