How can we distinguish between 'news' and 'advertorial' content online?

• A. News articles often include editorials.
• B. Advertorials are always clearly labeled as advertisements.
• C. Advertorials blend advertising with editorial content and may lack objective reporting.
• D. Editorial content is strictly separated from advertising.

Answer: (C)

Distinguishing news from advertorial online comes down to how the piece is presented and whether it keeps advertising separate from reporting. News aims to inform with factual information, backed by sources, and it generally keeps editorial voice and commercial promotion apart. Advertorials, on the other hand, are promotional content that imitates journalism by weaving advertising messages into an article. Because they blend marketing with content, they can gloss over opposing viewpoints or critical checks, making objectivity harder to maintain.

This is why the best choice identifies that advertorials mix advertising with editorial content and may not show objective reporting. It captures the real distinction: the intent to promote a product or brand within material that looks like news, rather than a neutral report of events.