Really now.. $2000 for an interview equates to a "pump and dump"?
I guess you're one of those people who opine that NO CORPORATION should have a IR or promotional budget for brand recognition?
You think PR comes free? You think those PRs that are published are free? Every company pays to promote itself in order to increase shareholder value.
What I find interesting is that a "3rd party" is footing the bill, not the company. The company may be under instructions/orders not to pay for PR while awaiting the completion of filings.
But nothing prevents them from being participants in a PR opportunity paid for by an outside party. Or it could be a power game between management and the outside party, as to who has more at stake in promoting the company.