Singer has already served 100 hours of community service.
Nikki Finke: Grilled
On chasing news, her vision for the future and selling DHD for "the GNP of a small country."
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Pictures from inside and outside the late pop star's Holmby Hills home, including shots of the bedroom where paramedics tried to resuscitate him, a mannequin bartender and a bloody shirt hanging in his closet. See more at RadarOnline.
That’s what happened. It was startling. A week would go by, and suddenly it was ... guess who called. And it would be ... No. What do they want with me?
And why did it take so long?
Because I wasn’t looking to sell. Just because people call you -- I was very reluctant. I approached everyone with great suspicion. I kept thinking everyone just wanted to put me out of business. I chose Jay after a lot of deliberation, a lot of examination, and a lot of hesitation. I finally got to a comfort zone. That was true with everybody. I’m not easy. I was a crank. I was constantly asking questions, and this and that. I didn’t want or need a deal.
Let’s talk about the deal? Seven figures? Eight figures?
I will not confirm or deny anything.
So what was the deal?
It’s the GNP of a small country.
What the f--- does that mean?
It’s cute.
It’s meaningless.
It’s cute.
It’s cute to you.
I’m also using the line, "I’m working for a 30 year old." I don’t take this as seriously as you do. Hell, it’s just life. Not the second coming. I didn’t hire a publicst. It was a deal worth waiting for.
You haven’t mentioned the LA Weekly?
They’ve asked me to continue as their columnist. I love writing my column for them. Heck, I’m late for it today.
So you’re happy?
I’m delirious. I’m really happy. This was a really long stressful process where you didn’t want people to go away angry, but you have to do what’s right for you. You could’ve done this as an investment. You could’ve done this structured as incentives. You could’ve done it as a rental, versus buying. Or you could do it as an outright purchase, where you’re partners, you’re in there. There are so many ways to structure it -- and the last thing I wanted was to think about was that stuff.
I presume you have a contract to stay for a certain amount of time?
What I have is what I wanted – I wanted a long term service contract. I wanted the job security.
How long is it?
I’m not saying.
Three to five years?
It’s longer.
Why not take the money and retire?
When you get both, money and job security -- how great is that? I love working.
Is the transition done?
No. the changeover won’t take place until after the Fourth of July.
Comments
Jared Says
Ah, this is good stuff. Gotta ask about one of the comments though; Jeff, do you really think the site will last less than a year? Based on the siteanalytics link you provided?
Hey, everyone, please don't post any current pictures of Nikki. Don't ruin my fantasy.
Jeff Says
I always love reading quotes from people who don't understand that they just sold their business...wow - this is going to be a wake up call for her!
Her site has averaged 200,000 uniques a month *this site actually beats hers every few months). It has a long way to go to recoupe the acquires money a 5-10x.
I'd give her less than a year.
http://siteanalytics.compete.com/thewrap.com+DeadlineHollywoodDaily.com/
Lizzie who Says
Congrats to Ms. F - sure this Rona Barrett for the digital age worked hard to earn her big payday. She certainly is an expert at pulling in page views with her please refresh style and gotcha gossip and eyeballs are what pays these days. While it is sad that something like this sells for a seven figs and many real journalistic endeavors are going belly up, a lot of the snark is jealousy over the big number - just wish she handled it all with a little more class.
Great thing about it is since she made $100 million, no, a billion bucks, she won't have to depend solely on big media advertising on her site during the next strike. While those she supposedly supports are on the strike line and depending on their savings and tips to live, she will still be able to buy her Christmas gifts from Sony Style - and this time she'll be able to pay for priority shipping.
anonymous Says
As someone who had the great misfortune of having to endure the screaming matches between Nikki and her former Weekly editor, I wish Mail Media great luck in getting along with her. She's the devil. No really. She's the devil. (And a great reporter.)
Hell Yeah! Says
Really? This is grilling??? WEAK! Please let Nikki be and enjoy the moment! Happy for her.
Sharon, I hope you land a similar deal soon. I bet you are praying for one too!
Mark Says
Whoa. For a woman who just made a killing selling her site, you would never know it given her pissy attitude.
Great grilling!
luis Says
God Sharon...did you feel dirty after doing that interview? She's just so smug and creepy. It would have been fun to see a current picture of her instead of the one she passes out to the media from 1949....
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