Is There Really Such a Thing as "Celebrity Journalism"?
I don't think so. The so-called profession of "celebrity journalism" is so degraded by the sheer power of Hollywood stars that you can't really call it journalism -- just shameless boot-licking. And now the U.K.'s OK!, the biggest friend of all to celebrity publicists, is coming to the U.S. OK! pays stars big money for exclusives and gives them pre-approval on all stories -- no-nos in the traditional world of journalism. Read all about it.
posted by Scott Baradell at
3:31 PM
1 Comments:
I am just as guilty as the next person of buying People and Us Weekly and pouring over the celebrity sightings and news, buying into their reports (except The Enquirer).
However, the Tom and Katie hoax has made me realize that is certainly very difficult to find the journalism in "celebrity journalism". Whether a star has the chance to pre-approve copy (agreed, your source should NEVER be allowed to review copy before going to print) or receive a payoff for their news doesn't really matter. Often, the publicist very carefully orchestrates what "news" is featured as "celebrity journalism" in these magazines anyway.
Just because People doesn't pay for their news or let the stars edit their copy, doesn't mean that their news is any more real or accurately portrayed. Who do you think is planting Tom & Katie in strategic locations and look who is eating up? The publicist controls the news and who knows if any of it is real or illusion? For movie publicity or for career placement?
Celebrity journalism seems to be basically a tool for the celebrities to advance or position their careers. The joke is on the journalist, I'm afraid.
By
Cathy F., at 6/21/2005
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