Zucker denies involvement in Paris Hilton interview bid
This is a follow up to my original posting about NBC reportedly offering $1 million dollars for Paris Hilton’s first post-jail TV interview - some information I missed at the time.
According to a June 21, 2007 report in the NY Post, “NBC Universal boss Jeff Zucker personally called Hilton’s father Rick and made the pitch.”
In a video interview with Financial Times managing editor Chrystia Freeland five days later, Zucker denied any personal involvement:
ZUCKER: …I think our news division was interested in doing an interview with her. There were some demands placed on what it would take to secure that interview–
FREELAND: Financial demands?
ZUCKER: There were some, at certain points. And I think at the end of the day, our folks did not feel comfortable with what was being asked, and so the decision was made to move on.
FREELAND: Does that include you? Were you uncomfortable?
ZUCKER: You know, I wasn’t involved in this. The news division kept me apprised of what they were doing, but ultimately it was their decision. I support their decision.
This transcript is from MediaBistro, where I found the Post and FT links.
Posted: October 21st, 2007 under Entertainment Beat, Paying for Interviews.