Influence on journalists is typically not exerted overtly. Journalists know what behaviors are rewarded internally by the media organization (which is itself influenced by the government and corporations), through things like promotions and good work assignments, and externally by the government and corporations, though things like access, social connections and being in the "in" crowd by being invited to exclusive dinners and events.

Moreover journalists at these media organizations are selected and retained based largely on whether they are going to support the organization, one aspect of which is being held in a favorable opinion by government leaders.