Here’s why artists shouldn’t pay for media coverage, setting aside the obvious ethical concerns:

Any writer, personality, or platform that demands artists pay for placement does not care about you or your music. It will reflect in the piece, which won’t ever be worth the money. https://twitter.com/yungmasterart/status/1337104621601513476

I heard someone on Clubhouse allege a writer at a known publication (one I have written for) offer a pay for placement scheme to write about artists there.
I promise you, that little piece won’t hardly be read nor yield returns. And real journos won’t take it seriously. Issa scam

If you’ve already paid someone to write about your music, let me know how that worked out for you. You famous yet? You recoup that “investment” yet?