by Lundberg - March 9, 2010 - - Comment Now »
Newspapers are dying. Media is consumed differently now. And celebrities are covered just as much, if not more, than “hard news”. (Is there really such a thing? That is an argument for another time but it all comes down to ratings and advertising.) With all that said (or written), if you are still hating on TMZ, then you are wrong. Just wrong. Dead wrong (there’s my Biggie reference on his death-day).
I have been told in the past by some people who will not be mentioned that I don’t have credibility. My response to this was always, “I know. I lack credibility. I am IN-credible.” Well, TMZ does not lack credibility. I get e-mails from them and when I see one that says Ben Roethlisberger was accused of sexual assault, I can believe with 100% certainty that Ben Roethlisberger was charged with sexual assault. Remember who broke the Michael Jackson story way before any other organization. (I wonder if MJ’s face has decomposed yet?)
There are two things that stand out to me about TMZ. First is their reporting. They do it right. They talk to the correct people and present things in the proper context, whether that is fact or speculation. Second is their ability to balance that first trait with immediacy. The internets have changed the editorial process and TMZ understands the times we are in. They truly are new wave journalism.
I can see disagreeing with the kind of stories they pursue. I can’t see arguing with the results. If I want to find out whether Lil’ Wayne had eight root canals on the same day before heading to prison (syrup and autotune must be really bad for your teeth…either that or he didn’t want a large inmate ripping out his extravagant grill), I know where I’m looking. And if I ever become well known, I know who to look out for.
Tags: michael jackson, news, roethlisberger, Sports, tiger woods
