So, if I understand this properly, CNN et al. on occasion seek grants to produce shows that otherwise would be commercially ill advised?
And these shows are not necessarily showing some individual in a good light, they are just about various and sundry?
That's a bit different than just writing a check to get better coverage of the individual personally. If I'm concerned about say climate change and have the funds to sponsor an hour long show on the topic, well, sounds OK to me. It might be seen as an inconvenient truth to some, perhaps.
I recall when the fat dude generated movies about this and that topic to make some socially responsible impact about bowling for flowers or something.