Celebrity Blogs: The Impact of New Media

How Gawker, Perez Hilton, and Trent Vanegas Have Changed Celebrity News

Access Hollywood, as an example, is noticing that many younger viewers are now turning to blogs such as those by Perez Hilton and Trent Vanegas to read celebrity gossip and to see the latest photos of their favorite stars. In the past, a show like Access Hollywood often had these stories and pictures before anyone, more than typically, magazines like People. There’s been a change in the marketplace and some older media outlets see the shift as opportunities as blogs can generate buzz earlier in the day and Access Hollywood can delve into the story that evening (Lisotta, 2005). Access Hollywood actually employs a person whose sole purpose is the monitor these blogs for the show (Lisotta, 2005). However, these mainstream media outlets have had an advantage over some of these blogs in that these older media outlets have relationships with celebrities. Through these outlets, you can hear and see a person talking. On blogs, you can only read about them.