ABC Says NBC Outbid It for Paris Interview

Jun 22, 11:40 AM

Current Headlines: ABC News says it was outbid by NBC for the first interview with socialite Paris Hilton upon her release from a California jail.

NBC executives didn't deny they discussed interview rights with Hilton, but the news division said it couldn't confirm whether an interview would occur, The New York Times said Friday.

ABC sources said Barbara Walters -- representing the network in talks with the Hilton family -- revealed the scoop went to NBC, The Times said. Walters, however, refused to comment.

The sources said ABC offered the Hiltons $100,000 while NBC reportedly offered more than $750,000 to speak to the hotel heiress when she finishes serving her sentence for probation violation at the Century Regional Detentions Facility in Lynwood, Calif.

Payment of licensing fees for exclusive use of materials such as home movies or photographs -- but not an actual interview -- has become more common as media outlets seek to grab sole ties with celebrities, The Times reported.

However, contrary to media reports, Paris Hilton is not being paid for any television interview nor is Paris Hilton being paid for any collateral material, including videos or photos, Michael Sitrick, a crisis manager hired by her family, said in a statement.