Which challenge is commonly faced with earned media?

Earned media is defined as publicity gained through promotional efforts other than paid media, such as organic social media mentions, shares, and press coverage. One of the primary challenges associated with earned media is the lack of control over the content that is produced by third parties. Brands and organizations cannot dictate how their messages or narratives are framed by others, leading to potential discrepancies between the intended message and how it is perceived or reported by journalists, influencers, or consumers.

This lack of control can result in various outcomes, such as misinterpretations, negative portrayals, or contradictory information spreading within the media landscape. Consequently, the authenticity and credibility that come with earned media can be a double-edged sword, as they rely heavily on public perception and the actions of individuals who may not align perfectly with the brand's messaging or desired image.

In contrast, the other options address challenges that are more specific to other forms of media or marketing tactics rather than being inherent to earned media itself. For instance, managing costs and achieving rapid impact are often associated with paid media strategies, while inconsistent messaging typically pertains to challenges seen in broader integrated marketing campaigns.