TMZ
TMZ (Thirty Mile Zone) is a tabloid news website that debuted on November 8, 2005. It was a collaboration between AOL and Telepictures Productions, a division of Warner Bros.,[4] until Time Warner divested AOL in 2009. The name TMZ stands for thirty-mile zone, the historic "studio zone" within a 30-mile (50 km) radius centered at the intersection of West Beverly Boulevard and North La Cienega Boulevard in Los Angeles, California.
TMZ's managing editor is Harvey Levin, a lawyer-turned-journalist who was previously a legal expert for the Los Angeles television station KCBS-TV.[5] The site claims that it does not pay for stories or interviews; however, Levin has admitted that TMZ does "sometimes pay sources for leads on stories".[6][7][8] A companion television series, TMZ on TV, debuted on September 10, 2007.
Development
Three months prior to the official launch of TMZ, America Online (AOL) had hinted that it was planning to launch a Hollywood and entertainment-centric news site that would be produced in conjunction with Telepictures Productions and had shown interest in launching a website featuring a focus mainly on celebrities.[9] At the time of the launch, AOL confirmed that the site would primarily feature and consist of Hollywood gossip, including interviews, photos and video footage of celebrities and information pertaining to industry news on movies, television shows, etc.[9] The site was described as "an effort to further feed the current American obsession with celebrities". Mike Shields of MediaWeek.com wrote, "the site also boasts of an expansive collection of archived star photos and videos", allowing fans to "trace changing hairlines and waistlines of their favorites performers over the years".[9]
Background
Since 2005, TMZ has signed Revlon, Chrysler, Hilton Hotels and New Line Cinema as charter advertisers to their website.[9] The New York Times cited TMZ as "one of the most successful online ventures of the last few years."[10] In October 2008, the New York Times reported that TMZ, at the time, was receiving more than 10 million viewers every month.[10] Alexa.com ranked TMZ as the 505th most trafficked website worldwide and as the 155th most trafficked website in the United States.[11]
Levin has acknowledged that TMZ has passed on multiple notable coverages because he felt that, while the stories are true, he questioned how the sources obtained their information.[10] Levin has acknowledged that TMZ pays sources, but in the form of a "tip fee". Levin stated that TMZ pays for photos and for 'tips' or leads on stories, and defended TMZ's position by stating that the sources and tips are verified before being used or reported.[6]
In November 2009, TMZ's revenue was publicly disclosed for the first time.[12] Telepictures (which TMZ is operated by) stated: "Subject to certain performance adjustments and the reimbursement of expenses, revenues are split evenly between the parties [...] Telepictures received payments of US$6.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, and US$12.7 million, US$9.6 million and US$3.0 million in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively."[12] Based on released figures, TMZ's revenues for 2008 was US$25.4 million and is projected to have less revenue in the 2009 year with the revenue of $12.4 million in first three quarters of the year—unlike the previous year, which was within the US$15 million range.[12]
On May 29, 2012, co-founder Jim Paratore died of a heart attack during a cycling trip in France. Paratore was known for his work in television production, producing several daytime and syndicated programs, particularly while serving as an executive at Telepictures (which co-produces the website's companion syndicated television series).[13]
Notable coverage
On July 28, 2006, TMZ was the first to report that[3] actor Mel Gibson had been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.[14] Along with releasing the story, TMZ also reported "exclusive details" about the case shortly after.[14] In the report TMZ posted, it contained his transport to the station and time in custody, and quoted an "anonymous law enforcement source", and published four pages of a handwritten arrest report, via a PDF file.[15] TMZ claimed the documents they posted were part of the original eight-page report which was written by the arresting officer, before the officer was allegedly instructed, by his superiors, to omit the inflammatory details about Gibson's alleged anti-Jewish comments and behavior.[16]
On November 7, 2006, TMZ was the first to report that pop-singer Britney Spears had filed a petition for divorce from then-husband Kevin Federline.[3]
On November 20, 2006, TMZ was the first to publish a cell phone recording of Michael Richards making a racist tirade at the Laugh Factory. According to BuzzFeed's Anne Helen Petersen, the source wanted several thousand dollars for the video recording, but wanted the cash immediately. Unable to produce that much money himself, Levin had every TMZ staffer take out their ATM max and bring it down to the TMZ offices, which they were later reimbursed.[17]
On May 3, 2007, TMZ was the first to break the story, and exclusively obtain documents, stating that socialite Paris Hilton would be sentenced to 45 days in jail as her sentencing for driving with a suspended license after losing her license from driving under the influence of alcohol four months prior.[18]
On February 22, 2009, TMZ released what has been identified as a police evidence photo of pop-singer Rihanna after she was assaulted by now ex-partner Chris Brown.[3] Shortly after the photo's release, Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) announced that it was investigating the leak and 'possible sale of the photo of Rihanna with a bruised and battered face after TMZ published them because the photo had been considered evidence. TMZ has claimed it obtained the photo legally but has not said how it came into possession of the photo.[19]
On February 24, 2009, TMZ was the first to break the story that,[3] out of the US$1.6 billion Chicago's Northern Trust Bank received in federal bailout money, recipients of the money spent non-TARP dollars entertaining clients in Los Angeles at the House of Blues venue that featured performances by Chicago, Earth Wind and Fire, and Sheryl Crow and gift bags from Tiffany & Co.[20] Shortly after TMZ published the story, United States Congressman Barney Frank demanded that Northern Trust repay the money it received in the bailout. Northern Trust CEO Frederick Waddell sent a letter to members of the House Financial Services Committee, stating that the bank will repay the money "as quickly as prudently possible."
TMZ was the first to break the report of the death of Michael Jackson on June 25, 2009.[21][22] The report was treated with caution by mainstream media sources at the time, despite being cited on rolling news channels. TMZ's scoop beat the major broadcast and cable news outlets by almost 3 hours until CNN finally confirmed the story as well. Part of this delay was later explained as the other outlets' "stricter confirmation standards,"[6] but Levin claimed, during an interview with Huffington Post, that TMZ, at the time of posting the subject, verified the story and sources. "Well, before it was officially announced. We really knew this significantly before even what was going on, but this was, you know, crossing every t. We were positive when we put it up. We put it up when we were 100% positive."[23] TMZ was also the first to receive the coroner's report of the singer on February 8, 2010, proving Propofol dosage and negligence killed the pop legend.[24]
TMZ was the first news outlet to break the news of the death of Brittany Murphy on December 20, 2009.[25]
TMZ was the first to release a videotaped recording of a deposition of Justin Bieber regarding Bieber's bodyguard who allegedly attacked a photographer and threatened the photographer with a gun[26] This deposition video, released in a series of shorter clips on March 10, 2014, labels the singer as, according to TMZ, "arrogant," "contentious," and "disrespectful." Each video in the series gained over one million views respectively and, when compiled by a third party, the YouTube video of the deposition generated almost six million views.
TMZ was the first to report on Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling's private conversation with his girlfriend V. Stiviano on April 25, 2014, in which Sterling allegedly had a problem with her associating with African-Americans, and telling her not to bring them in to Clippers' games.[27] Four days later, the NBA banned Sterling for life and fined him US$2.5 million.[28]
TMZ was the first to break the story on May 8, 2014, that a Wyclef Jean music video "April Showers" was banned by YouTube for a copyright infringement claim that the recreation of a controversial autopsy photo[29] of rapper Tupac Shakur's body in the video was similar to a photo released in author Cathy Scott's book The Killing of Tupac Shakur.[30] The next day, TMZ broke a second story that the video director, Hezues R', and Scott had settled the matter and agreed that Hezues R' would include a screen credit to the book at the end of the video.[31]
On May 12, 2014, TMZ acquired security camera footage and was first to break the story of Solange Knowles physically assaulting sister Beyoncé's husband, rapper Jay-Z, in an elevator at The Standard, High Line in Manhattan, following the 2014 Met Gala.[32] The employee who sold the footage to TMZ (after being auctioned for five days to the highest bidder, and reportedly sold for $250,000 to TMZ) was later fired by The Standard, High Line for breaching security policies of the hotel.[33]
TMZ was the first to release snippets from the controversial Lady Gaga music video "Do What U Want", which notably featured R. Kelly and Terry Richardson, both of whom had previously been accused of sexual assault.[34]
On September 9, 2014, TMZ posted a video appearing to show Ray Rice punching his fiancée in an Atlantic City elevator. Rice was released by the Baltimore Ravens and suspended indefinitely by the NFL.[35]
On July 7, 2015, TMZ acquired footage appearing to show Ariana Grande licking unpurchased doughnuts and stating "I hate Americans. I hate America. That's disgusting."[36][37]
On April 21, 2016, TMZ was the first media outlet to break the news about Prince's death.[38]
On September 20, 2016, TMZ was the first to announce the breakup of celebrity supercouple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, also known as "Brangelina".[39]
On September 22, 2017, TMZ was the first to break the news of Kylie Jenner's pregnancy with boyfriend of six months Travis Scott.[40]
On June 18, 2018, TMZ was the first to report on the shooting death of XXXTentacion.[41]
On November 30, 2018, TMZ released a footage of Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt assaulting and kicking a woman. This eventually led to his release from the team that same day.
On December 8, 2019, TMZ was the first to report on Juice Wrld's death after suffering a seizure at Chicago Midway International Airport.[42]
On January 26, 2020, TMZ was the first to report on the helicopter crash that killed Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, baseball coach John Altobelli and six other people.[43]
On April 25, 2020, TMZ was the first to report on the alleged Kim Jong-un's death after a possible botched heart surgery.[44]
Legal issues
Contempt of court motion
On June 20, 2007, a court-appointed bankruptcy trustee filed an emergency motion[45] requesting that the TMZ website be held in contempt for its publication of the entire manuscript of If I Did It, O.J. Simpson's purportedly fictionalized account of the murder of Ron Goldman and Nicole Brown Simpson.[46]
The filing claimed TMZ's posting of the PDF of the entire book has "diminished or destroyed" its value.
Photographer altercation
While actor Woody Harrelson was at New York City's La Guardia Airport, he had an altercation with a photographer for TMZ.[47] Harrelson defended himself stating that he'd at the time just finished filming his scenes from the horror film, that consists mainly of zombies, Zombieland, and that he was "startled" by the TMZ photographer. "I wrapped a movie called Zombieland, in which I was constantly under assault by zombies, then flew to New York, still very much in character ... With my daughter at the airport I was startled by a paparazzo, who I quite understandably mistook for a zombie."[47]
Temporary block in the UK
On December 24, 2010, the gossip blog "Oh No They Didn't" reported that TMZ began blocking traffic from the UK, displaying the message: "Due to laws within your region, you are unable to view this website." Asked for further comment, TMZ responded that the blocking was due to "legal restrictions" related to English defamation law.[48] The UK website "Popbitch Board" noted on December 31, 2010 that it is possible to get around the block by accessing the website through the Google Translate website. As of January 7, 2011, TMZ is accessible in the UK.[49]
Branches
TMZ Live
TMZ Live is a live-chat program from TMZ that features Levin and fellow TMZ executive producer Charles Latibeaudiere, and occasionally assignment manager Mike Walters, editor Kelly Berning or clip clearance producer Dax Holt[50] filling in for one or both hosts.[50] Other TMZ staffers (mainly those who regularly appear on TMZ on TV) also appear on the broadcast as contributors to provide additional outline of the story as well as to provide opinion. The live webcast takes place at the TMZ offices in Los Angeles,[51] and is broadcast on TMZ.com Monday through Fridays from approximately 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time (the length varies depending on the featured segments).
The TMZ Live television and Internet programs review stories that TMZ is covering on the website, and at times, features live interviews (most of which are conducted through webcam conferencing) as well as viewer opinions via Twitter, telephone and video chat (including Skype). In addition, the program features regular segments towards the end of each edition: "Viewer's Choice" (aired as the penultimate segment) featuring viewer questions or comments about stories featured in the broadcast, with additional commentary or analysis by the hosts; "Hate Mail," featured on the Wednesday edition of the webcast (the Thursday edition on the television broadcast), in which negative emails and letters sent by viewers (some of which feature potshots at Levin or Latibeaudiere) are read by the hosts; "Tim's Rejects," featured on the Thursday edition of the webcast (the Friday edition on the television broadcast), in which staffer Tim Nowak presents three offbeat news stories (that are not entertainment or sports-related) which are critiqued by the hosts; and "The Loser's Circle," featured on the Friday edition of the webcast (the Monday edition on the television broadcast) since February 2015, in which Levin, Latibeaudiere and TMZ on TV executive producer Evan Rosenblum judge a clip from a TMZ videographer that was originally rejected from being posted on TMZ.com by Levin or broadcast on TMZ on TV by post-production supervisor Chad Weiser following its initial pitch. "Tim's Rejects" and "Hate Mail" were previously aired as the last segment of their respective editions until April 2015, when they were shifted to the block preceding that occupied by the "Viewer's Choice" segment (at which point, all three segments as well as "The Loser's Circle" began to be followed by a story segment).
In March 2012, Fox Television Stations tested a syndicated broadcast of TMZ Live (which is an hour-long edited version of the live webcast that is broadcast on a one-day delay from its original tape date, with segments aired in a different order, mainly due to live interviews that require the segment to be shown out of order on the webcast for varied reasons) on its television stations in Los Angeles and Phoenix. In June 2012, SiriusXM Radio announced that the show would be aired daily on its Sirius XM Stars channel. In October of that year, the television show was expanded to seven markets, adding Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit and Minneapolis. On September 9, 2013, TMZ Live began airing on all 18 Fox owned-and-operated stations.[52][53] The program began to be syndicated to stations outside of the Fox Television Stations group in the spring of 2014.
TMZ on TV
On September 10, 2007, TMZ launched an accompanying television series, TMZ on TV.[54][55][56] The syndicated television program airs Monday through Fridays.[57]
In the United States, the show airs in various timeslots on stations of varying network affiliation (primarily on Fox stations), mainly either in early primetime or after late local newscasts, with an hour-long 'best-of' program compiling select stories from the weekday broadcasts airing on weekends.[58] The show covers stories similar to those found on the website and TMZ Live, with the main difference being that TMZ on TV largely delivers its stories in a humorous manner whereas a mix of humorous and serious news stories appear on the website and companion web/television series. TMZ offers viewers the option of being able to view the two most recent episodes of the program on TMZ.com after the episode's original airdate (being available for viewing for two days after the broadcast on weekdays and three days after the original broadcast on weekends).[59] Chris Persell, of TVWeek.com, stated that the show is a "complement [to] the website, with news updates added to later airings of the show".[60] Levin and Jim Paratore served as executive producers to the show, and the on-air cast originally included Teresa Strasser, John Fugelsang, Ben Mankiewicz and Michael Hundgen.[60] David Bianculli of The New York Daily News strongly criticized the television show, its topics, and what he sees as its reporters' tactics and lack of professionalism.[55]
Dax Chat
Dax Chat is a live chat program on Ustream hosted by TMZ clip clearance producer Dax Holt. In the broadcasts, Holt talks to "Chizzlers" about celebrity gossip and articles that have been posted on the TMZ website.[61]
TMZ Sports
As early as 2009, Levin was rumored to be interested in creating a TMZ branded sports site.[62] The site was initially expected to launch in March 2010 but those plans did not see fruition.[63][64] It eventually launched as a branded section on the main TMZ website in June 2013.[65] Premiere Networks launched a daily TMZ Sports radio show in October 2013.[66] A television show began testmarketing on select regional Fox stations in January 2014.[65][67] It then aired during the 2014/2015 seasons on Reelz under name TMZ Hollywood Sports.[65] On November 9, 2015, the series reverted to being known as TMZ Sports and moved to Fox Sports 1.[68]
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