CNN Pays For Cell Phone Image, Plane “Hero” Wants Payment For Interviews

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by Steve Krakauer | 9:03 pm, December 26th, 2009

» 8 comments

Here is a lesson in how journalism (and really, life) works in 2009: the passenger on Northwest Flight 253 being billed as a hero for helping subdue Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab will tell you his story – but only if you pay him money.

But Jasper Schuringa was already on CNN, you say? Well CNN paid up.

You’ll notice CNN’s eight-minute interview with Schuringa earlier today was a little awkward, especially at the end. Around the five-minute mark, Schuringa looks uncomfortable, saying “but I don’t really want to talk about that,” and “ok, well thank you very much,” while trying to end the interview. Anchor Fredricka Whitfield, continued the questions however, while what sounds like an argument can be heard off-screen.

Here’s what it sounds like happened: CNN tells Mediaite they paid a “licensing fee” for the exclusive cell phone image, which they have been using throughout the day. TVNewser reports, “Insiders tell us other networks are vying to buy the image for upwards of $10,000.”

CNN clarifies the network did not pay for the actual interview during CNN Newsroom. However, there’s a reason Schuringa has not appeared any further on CNN or any other network – we hear he has asked for additional payment for any future interviews.

The practice of paying a “licensing fee” rather than a direct exchange is a way networks who claim to never pay for interviews can get around the issue. By paying for images and video, they are free to say no money was exchanged hands for the actual interview – which is still viewed as unseemly for news outlets not named the National Enquirer or TMZ. But paying for something to secure an interview happens quite a bit.

Earlier this week NBC paid for the chartered jet to bring David Goldman and his son from Brazil back to the United States. And wouldn’t you know it – the exclusive, first interview goes to Meredith Vieira, airing Monday on the Today show.

Clearly what Schuringa did was brave and potentially helped stop further damage caused from the attempted terror attack. But now he wants money to tell his story, while several other passengers are out talking on various cable and broadcast news outlets. Even stranger is who may be arguing, audibly off-screen, on his behalf during the CNN interview. Does he already have a publicist? And where does he show up next?

While network shows like ABC’s 20/20 or NBC’s Dateline often license photos and video for interviews, it’s rare to see CNN get into the mix. Obviously they wanted to land the “get” – but at what cost, literal and figurative?

Here’s the CNN interview with Schuringa:

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http://www.facebook.com/people/Janet-Shan/1127645593 Janet Shan

Wow. This is crazy. I watched the interview on CNN and I wondered why it had gotten so awkward in the end, with Schuringa trying to end the interview. I guess money talks, BS walks. It’s shameful that he would try to capitalize on this incident that could have very well been catastrophic.

http://blackpoliticalthought.blogspot.com
Jerry Beauchamp

“It’s shameful that he would try to capitalize on this incident that could have very well been catastrophic. ”

Oh really? Is it also not shameful that networks are clamoring for an interview? Why do you think networks want his interview? For more ratings, ratings = profits. So think about it for a second, the networks stand to make far more money in different markets on ad sales than Schuringa would ever hope to gain. So I say let him have his cut, it’s his story not CNN’s, ABC’s NBC’s or whoever.

Any interview that stands to make a network profit, should be a paid one.
SWWT

Kinda sets a bad precedent though. Now people are gonna try to play hero, just to get paid, despite the danger they may put not only themselves but others as well.

But hey, he gets his check so I guess it doesn’t matter.
Relic

I agree with Jerry
http://www.facebook.com/people/Chris-Jones/1384303476 Chris Jones

The media long ago gave up ethics in favor of pushing an agenda anyway. Why should anyone give them a good story like that for free. These are tough times and that guy became an integral part of a huge story that’s sure to be ratings gold. Why should he make some doe as well? He hold all the cards, because other than the terrorist he’s the most important part of the story. Almost dying in a terrorist attack does have its perks — as well it should.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Razors-Edge/100000203824649 Razors Edge

As long as Schuringa detailed everything to authorities for public safety sake, why not sell his information to the media. As long as it doesn’t thwart the investigation or put the public at risk (by telling or not telling the story).

The media apparently wants the info so they must value what info he has. Media doesn’t have to pay him. There’s no metophorical gun to the media’s head to pay him anything if they don’t want to. If they want it bad enough they can pay. That’s called value.

Media wants it for ratings boost thus advertising dollars. Media makes money for stories they tell. Citizen journalism is here to stay
mousdrvr

So let me get this straight, the dude completely mans up and saves a few hundred slack jawed passengers gets burned in the process and now he somehow OWES it to us to spend his time answering the same set of questions 1500 times by people who are getting paid huge money to interview him. If he wants a dime for the inconvenience he’s the whore? I’m sorry but I just can’t get there. Now this Steve Krakauer dude is going to pull out the air quotes on him? the hypocrisy is stunning.

I say thanks for stepping up Jasper!
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