TVSpy LostRemote FishbowlNY FishbowlDC FishbowlLA SocialTimes MediaJobsDaily more GalleyCat AppNewser UnBeige AgencySpy PRNewser 10,000 Words AllFacebook AllTwitter semanticweb.com

Whitney Houston’s Hairdresser Cashes In On Her Death, As NBC Opens Checkbook For Photos

One of the few people in the room with pop star Whitney Houston when she died is apparently cashing in on her death. Houston’s hairstylist Tiffanie Dixon was there when the singer was found in the bathtub Saturday February 11. On Friday, Dixon spoke to both NBC’s “Today” and “Dateline”… for a price of course.

NBC News licensed photos from Dixon, and featured them both on both shows along with two interviews: Tamron Hall on “Dateline” and Ann Curry live on “Today.” Staffers at both ABC News and CBS News confirmed to TVNewser that those networks had been offered the photos and interview, for a fee, and passed.

As TVNewser has covered over and over again, news organizations routinely “pay” for interviews by licensing photos, videos or other materials from potential subjects. Other times, when someone has a book to sell, they will guarantee placement on certain shows, or on dedicated primetime specials.

It is not immediately clear how much NBC licensed the photos for, but typical fees range from $10,000-$20,000. Hall mentioned that NBC had licensed the photos when they appeared onscreen during both “Today” and “Dateline.”

WATCH the “Today” piece:

Last Summer ABC News and NBC News got into a verbal tiff over licensing fees. ABC — which had been one of the worst offenders — changed its position and publicly stated it would effectively end the practice. NBC News, in a statement, snarkily “thanked” ABC for ending the practice, but did not disclose that it routinely licenses material in exchange for interviews.

Mediabistro Event

Early Bird Rates End Wednesday, May 22

Revamp your resume, prepare for the salary questions, and understand what it takes to nail your interviews in ourĀ Job Search Intensive, an online event and workshop starting June 11, 2013. You’ll learn job search tips and best practices as you work directly with top-notch HR professionals, recruiters, and career experts. Save with our early bird pricing before May 22. Register today.