What Did Obama Expect In Return From The Post?

Okay, it was clearly unethical for the Washington Post to arrange meetings between lobbyists and Obama Administration officials. But, what did Obama expect in return? The Post has been hemorrhaging dollars and would clearly appreciate any help with their cash flow. If Barack Obama could steer a few million their way by providing cabinet members for these salons, don't you think that he'd expect a little favorable coverage in return?