Do talk show guests get paid? Who pays whom? How about experts called in to news programs?

I did at least once, when I appeared on "Letterman" for the first time, in 1986.

I'm this case, it was $28,000.00. She speaks at 7:30, about how she made it all happen.

If an actor is promoting a film does the studio pay the talk show?

I believe they get SAG rate, which I think was around $670 a few years ago.

THey are contractually obligated to promote their projects. It's not about money obviously - it's about bringing in the money for the project.

Who chases whom?

I wish they would have insert some actual talk shows again with no premise of promoting a film or TV show or whatever.

There used to be shows where celebrities went on to just talk - now it is 100% about plugging a film, book, show, etc.

A little balance would be nice - but I don't know if stars want to do that for 'fun'.