In case you haven't noticed, problem was nominated for a VMA for best video. You and anyone with a sane head might think "wow, that video is really bad compared to the videos that were snubbed i wonder why she was nominated". She was nominated because her management paid MTV to nominate her, as well as give her promo. Why do you think MTV made the "Total Ariana Live" show for her single? It's because her label paid MTV to give her promo, and honestly that's why a lot for these artists are nominated for VMAS. It's not like the video is actually good it's all about the payola and the promo.

Is there a news story here?

The news story is that there is blatant payola going on between Ariana's camp and MTV. This is the expose.

The song was a hit and the VMA's aren't really about the videos anymore, except for the professional categories

I assume you must knwo this because you work for MTV or Republic Records?

If they paid for promo, how is it free promo? Might wanna rethink how you worded that.