A news story highlighting a local restaurant offering meals to the homeless exemplifies:

The scenario involving a news story that highlights a local restaurant offering meals to the homeless is best categorized as publicity. Publicity refers to the process of garnering media attention and generating public awareness about a particular event, organization, or cause, often without a direct cost for advertising. In this case, the story serves to inform the public about the restaurant's charitable actions, which not only enhances the restaurant's image but also raises awareness about homelessness in the community.

This type of communication is typically generated through media outlets and can lead to positive public opinion, increased community engagement, and potentially even more support for the restaurant's initiatives. The emphasis is on generating awareness and fostering goodwill rather than on promoting the restaurant's products or services directly, which distinguishes it from retailing, distribution, and pricing strategies that focus more squarely on the sale and flow of goods.