The Unfiltered History of Page Six, Donald Trump, and Tipsters

Core Concepts

Page Six thrives on tipsters and gossip to maintain its relevance in a changing media landscape.

Abstract

Page Six, a gossip column in the New York Post, has been a staple for Manhattan's elite. Built on tipsters and anonymous sources, it has managed to adapt to the digital age while maintaining its allure. The column's history is intertwined with notable figures like Donald Trump and Harvey Weinstein, showcasing both its influence and controversies.

Stats

PageSix.com reaches about 24 million people per month.
170,000 people read the Post in print daily.
About 200,000 people read the Post daily on the app.
More than eleven thousand stories covered Harvey Weinstein by Page Six.

Quotes

"I welcome the feedback. You get people who don’t like stories, and they’ll go at you. But that’s part of the fun." - Emily Smith
"Looking back, I wish I’d attacked him as a pervert from the very beginning." - Richard Johnson
"It’s difficult to read Page Six without thinking about how men like Weinstein used it as a tool for so many years." - Content Excerpt

Key Insights Distilled From

'Club Owners Would Hand You an Eight Ball': The Secret History of Page Six

by at www.esquire.com 02-12-2020

https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/a30709872/page-six-gossip-history-new-york-post/

Deeper Inquiries

How has social media impacted the relevance of traditional gossip columns like Page Six?

Social media has had a significant impact on the relevance of traditional gossip columns like Page Six. With the rise of social media platforms, celebrities and influential figures now have direct access to their audience, allowing them to control their narrative and share news about themselves without relying on traditional media outlets. This shift in power has made it challenging for gossip columns to break exclusive stories or maintain their status as the primary source of celebrity news.
Additionally, social media has enabled the rapid spread of information and rumors, often bypassing traditional journalistic standards. Gossip can now be shared instantly by anyone with an internet connection, leading to a saturation of celebrity news and making it harder for gossip columns to stand out. The immediacy and accessibility of social media have also changed how audiences consume gossip, with many preferring real-time updates from celebrities themselves rather than waiting for a column to publish.
Overall, social media has forced traditional gossip columns like Page Six to adapt their strategies and find new ways to remain relevant in an era where celebrities can directly engage with their fans and shape their public image online.

Is there an ethical dilemma in using anonymous sources extensively in journalism?

The use of anonymous sources in journalism presents a complex ethical dilemma that journalists must navigate carefully. While anonymous sources can provide valuable information that may not be accessible otherwise, they also raise concerns about transparency, credibility, and accountability.
One major ethical concern is the potential for misinformation or bias when relying on anonymous sources. Without knowing the identity of the source, readers are unable to assess the credibility or motivations behind the information being shared. This lack of transparency can undermine trust in journalism and lead to accusations of spreading false or misleading information.
Furthermore, journalists have a responsibility to protect their sources from potential harm or retaliation. However, this protection must be balanced with the need for accountability and verification of information. Overreliance on anonymous sources can create a situation where journalists are unable to verify claims or hold sources accountable for inaccuracies.
In essence, while anonymous sources can be essential for uncovering important stories or exposing wrongdoing, journalists must approach their use with caution and adhere to strict ethical guidelines to maintain credibility and integrity in their reporting.

What role does gossip play in shaping public perception of celebrities and influential figures?

Gossip plays a significant role in shaping public perception of celebrities and influential figures by influencing how they are perceived by the general public. Gossip columns like Page Six often focus on sensationalized stories, scandals, and personal details about individuals in the public eye, creating narratives that can impact how they are viewed by society.
One key aspect is that gossip humanizes celebrities by revealing intimate details about their lives outside of their public personas. This can make them more relatable or likable to audiences who feel connected through shared experiences or vulnerabilities exposed through gossip.
On the other hand, gossip can also contribute to negative perceptions by highlighting controversies, scandals, or unflattering behavior exhibited by celebrities. These stories can shape public opinion and influence how individuals are judged based on their actions or personal lives portrayed in gossip columns.
Overall, gossip serves as a form of entertainment but also plays a crucial role in constructing narratives around celebrities and influential figures that influence how they are perceived by society at large.