Just found out that TMZ pays for maybe 2% of their tips

I was watching that new documentary series about paparazzi culture on Hulu last night. One of the former TMZ editors flat out said they only pay for a tiny fraction of the tips they get. Like less than 2 percent actually get any money. I always assumed most of those celebrity sightings were paid for. Makes me wonder how much of what we read is just someone trying to get their name out there for free. Has anyone else looked into how these gossip sites actually get their stories?

3 comments

3 Comments

nina_taylor13d ago

Yeah and the other 98% is just them refreshing D-list Instagram stories for free.

barbara_jenkins6613d ago

Read something similar in a book about tabloid journalism.

josephbailey13d ago

I'd bet that 2% figure is way low honestly, they pay for way more than that.