TVSpy
The lawyer representing Casey Anthony revealed on Thursday that ABC News paid Anthony and her family $200,000. (Video here)
ABC News paid the Anthony family to license photos and home video that the organization used in its ongoing coverage of Anthony’s murder trial. The family reportedly used the money to fund Anthony’s mounting legal fees.
ABC News released the following statement regarding the payment: “In August 2008, we licensed exclusive rights to an extensive library of photos and home videos for use by our broadcast platforms, affiliates and international partners. No use of the material was tied to any interview.”
Since this disclosure, conversation has turned towards the question of ABC’s journalistic integrity. “ABC stations have repeatedly aired the images and video,” wrote Al Tompkins of the Poynter Institute, “but have not, until now, revealed the long-rumored financial arrangement behind them.” More…