beat sweetenernoun.
A flattering, non-critical profile of a public figure written by a reporter whose regular beat includes coverage of that person.
Example Citation:
"Especially useful sources, like Robert Strauss, are rewarded with occasional 'beat sweeteners.' The New York Times, particularly on its 'Washington Talk' page, has made a minor specialty of such puffy stories."
—Jonathan Alter, "Mutually Assured Seduction," Newsweek
