Mainstream news outlets do not pay sources because the payment might influence the source's actions or statements. The concept of checkbook journalism is widely rejected by reporters and editors, yet after the first Dateline "Predator" stings drew over 8 million viewers, PeeJ hired an agent to negotiate a fee. As noted earlier, though not confirmed the payment is thought to be between $100,000 and $150,000. According to one NBC newsroom staffer, PeeJ is also entitled to a cut of any future DVD revenue from the series.7Hansen defends the agreement with PeeJ by comparing it to paying a retired FBI agent for insight into the mind of a serial killer, or a retired general for expertise on war strategy.5 Critics reject this and point out there is an important difference between paying a source expected to give objective information and paying an advocacy group like PeeJ.5 "Perverted Justice is a participant in the story," writes Douglas McCollam. "The kind of outfit that would traditionally be covered, not be on the news outlet's payroll."1 Chris Hansen counters that PeeJ is compensated fairly for its specialized work, which is not something just anyone can do.5