WireImage: It's Not Journalism, It's PR

Las Vegas is where celebrities go for privacy, according to this article in yesterday's New York Times. To explain why, reporter Steve Friess tells this anecdote involving the Getty Images-owned photo service WireImage:

"One Friday in early January, a dozen photographers were ushered into the Bank nightclub at the Bellagio shortly past 11 p.m. by special elevator, ordered to stand by in a small, dark corridor and then given about five minutes to take pictures of the singer and songwriter John Legend posing before a backdrop with the Bank’s name on it.

"Once Mr. Legend had had enough, the photographers were whisked away. The star’s entourage was seated in a V.I.P. area of the club, while a single photographer — on the club’s payroll — was allowed to shoot his birthday party for the celebrity news service WireImage."

Well that's cozy! I don't have any way to check this particular story, but it's no secret that WireImage often negotiates exclusive deals like this one. Obviously, this practice enrages photographers for competing agencies. Sure it works, as long as people don't confuse it with journalism.

Comments

[Me]

I can't see a problem with this. No-one wants a load of photogs at your birthday party.