Two books presuming to tell the story of media conglomerate Clear Channel have hit the shelves around the same time. Which to trust, the one written by a former Rolling Stone contributing editor or the book financed by Clear Channel itself? Decisions, decisions.

Clear Channel, not known for its ability to take criticism, has apparently kicked the idea of having its story told for awhile. But once they found out Alec Foege was researching his own book–with the working title The Monster That Ate Mass Media–it was time to step into action.

It competes with “Clear Vision: The Story of Clear Channel Communications,” by Reed Bunzel, former editor of the trade magazine Radio Ink. Mr. Bunzel says Clear Channel paid him to do the book but declines to say how much. Another journalist says he was offered more than $100,000 to take on the project. The book doesn’t disclose Mr. Bunzel’s financial relationship with Clear Channel, but careful readers may notice that the company holds the copyright to the book….

Lisa Dollinger, Clear Channel’s communications director, spearheaded the book project. She calls it an “evenhanded look at Clear Channel” that “was written from an independent point of view by a journalist with decades of experience in radio.”

If someone wanted to pay me $100,000 for a project, I think I’d be considerate of their feelings during the writing process as well. Actually, it sounds like a pretty solid gig all around.

Ms. Dollinger arranged for Texas-based Bright Sky Press to publish Mr. Bunzel’s book. Ruina Judd, Bright Sky’s publisher, declines to discuss the business details between Clear Channel and Bright Sky.

Mr. Bunzel turned in his manuscript to Ms. Dollinger in late 2006. She had few suggestions, he says, other than getting rid of repetitive sections and other minor tweaks. An editor at Bright Sky didn’t make major changes either, Mr. Bunzel says.

Minimal edits, someone finding the publisher for you, and $100,000? If there are any troubled companies looking for a completely biased look at how great your organization is, feel free to get in touch with me. Warner Music? Village Voice Media? I’m totally available. I’ve always found ethics to be somewhat overrated, anyway.

Why Clear Channel Tale Is Told Twice [Wall Street Journal]