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TMZ Founder Harvey Levin Discusses Expansion of Political Coverage
Harvey Levin, founder of TMZ, stated in an interview that political coverage has become part of pop culture. He discussed TMZ's plans to expand its reporting on political topics. The expansion aims to integrate politics with the outlet's existing entertainment focus.
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Harvey Levin, the founder and managing editor of TMZ, spoke with Eena Ruffini about the outlet's growing involvement in political reporting. In the interview, Levin said, "I think this is a part of pop culture." This comment reflects TMZ's view that political news now intersects with entertainment and celebrity culture.
TMZ, known for its coverage of celebrity gossip and entertainment news since its launch in 2005, has increasingly covered political figures and events. The outlet gained prominence through exclusive stories on high-profile celebrities and has built a large audience via its website, television show, and social media.
Levin founded TMZ as part of Warner Bros. Television, emphasizing rapid, insider-driven reporting.
Levin explained that the expansion of political coverage stems from the blurring lines between politics and pop culture, particularly with politicians who have entertainment backgrounds or engage in public spectacles. He noted that TMZ's approach to politics mirrors its entertainment style, focusing on accessible, timely updates.
This shift began notably during the 2016 U.S. presidential election, when TMZ reported on candidates' personal lives and public appearances.
The expansion affects TMZ's audience, which includes younger viewers interested in both entertainment and current events. Stakeholders such as advertisers and media partners may see opportunities in this broader scope, potentially increasing TMZ's reach beyond traditional gossip.
However, critics have questioned whether an entertainment-focused outlet can maintain journalistic standards in political reporting.
Looking ahead, TMZ plans to hire additional reporters with political expertise to support the expansion. Levin indicated that the outlet will continue to prioritize stories with cultural impact, regardless of topic. No specific timeline or budget details for the expansion were provided in the interview.
