The Wall Street Journal notes a growing trend: TV networks are showering free whatnots on bloggers in hopes of favorable coverage. You won't be shocked to learn that, in most cases, it works, although if you're deciding to watch "The New Adventures of Old Christine" because some mommy blog told you to (the article's main example), you probably are shocked. And extremely stupid. One little detail caught our eye though.

Giving away DVDs is a cheap way to curry favor, but some networks are courting bloggers with Hollywood's true currency: access. Fox News Channel says it recently thought about trying to flatter a New York Times writer with an invitation to an industry dinner hosted by President Bush. Instead, Fox says it sent invites to several New York media blogs—outlets it considered to be of more strategic importance.

Hmmm.

What New York media blogs went to (we're assuming) the White House Correspondent's Dinner? All guesses welcome! We can guarantee you that it sure as hell wasn't us. We do have some sorta policy about this.

Although! If HBO wants to provide us access to that peyote-popping stripper from Sunday's "Sopranos" we will praise anything—up to and including this season's "Entourage," which is insanely dreadful—to the high heavens.

To Create Buzz, TV Networks Try A Little 'Blogola' [WSJ]