U.S. Networks Battle Over Paris Hilton Interview

LOS ANGELES, June 22: ABC News claims it was outbid by NBC
News for Paris Hilton’s first post-prison interview; NBC executives, meanwhile
are denying that the network offered the heiress a reported $1 million for an
exclusive appearance on the Today show.

A spokesman for Paris Hilton has also responded to the
rumors, issuing a statement that said: "Contrary to media reports, Paris
Hilton is not being paid for any television interview. Nor is Paris being paid
for any collateral, including video and photographs related to any television
interview."

According to the New York Times, ABC offered $100,000 in a deal that would include
the interview, along with access to photos or home videos of Hilton. ABC News
representatives told the newspaper that the network was outbid by a “high
six-figure deal” NBC offered to Hilton’s family.

Allison Gollust, a spokeswoman for NBC News, is quoted in
the Times report as saying: “NBC News
does not pay for interviews—never have, never will.”