The subject matter of "Predator" makes it difficult and uncomfortable to bring up the issue of journalistic ethics, but solid journalistic practice cannot be sacrificed "just because our first instinct is that the ends justify the means."2
The show has been denounced on a number of charges, including for its cooperation with the controversial PeeJ group. Critics accuse NBC of engaging in checkbook journalism for paying Perverted Justice's consulting fee and for creating a story rather than reporting one. The network has also been blasted for using deceptive reporting techniques and for collaborating too closely with police - something observers fear could ultimately weaken journalists' protection from being compelled to hand over their newsgathering materials to the government.