In a recent testimony, former publisher Pecker revealed some interesting insights into the practices of American Media Inc. (AMI) regarding the purchase of stories. Pecker mentioned that AMI would sometimes acquire stories as leverage against celebrities, shedding light on the company's strategic approach.
Pecker also disclosed that he utilized a third-party consultant to manage significant payments for stories on behalf of AMI. This decision was driven by concerns about confidentiality and the risk of information leaks, highlighting the importance of discretion in such transactions.
Furthermore, it was revealed that the use of a consultant to handle payments, such as the potential reimbursement from Michael Cohen to AMI for the Karen McDougal story rights, was not an isolated incident involving Trump. This practice was part of a broader strategy employed by AMI in various situations.
During the testimony, it was confirmed that research conducted around the time of the 'Celebrity Apprentice' show identified Trump as a top celebrity capable of driving significant sales for publications like the National Enquirer. This finding led to the publication of articles about President Trump, with Pecker acknowledging that it was a decision made based on the potential business benefits.
The revelations from Pecker's testimony provide valuable insights into the inner workings of AMI and its approach to acquiring and publishing stories. The use of consultants for sensitive payments and the strategic targeting of stories involving celebrities underscore the complexities of the media industry and the considerations involved in such transactions.
