So far it has been acknowledged that airfare and accomadations were paid for. That's a little different than paying for a story or selling the rights to one. From my understanding, such practice is common in the industry...otherwise how would some of these "hard luck" or downtrodden cases get to NY or LA to tell their story.
That said, I feel this a bit of sour grapes on Shep's part acting on behalf of FoxNews. Though I don't know why they are saddened at not getting their chance at a trashy tabloid news exclusive vs. the strides they have made.