Nearly two months ago, CNN reached out to Melania Trump’s book publisher to request an interview with the former first lady ahead of her upcoming memoir. After several exchanges about a possible interview, the publisher sent an unusual demand last week: an interview would cost $250,000.
In an email to CNN, Skyhorse Publishing sent a document labeled, “Confidentiality and Nondisclosure Agreement” that laid out strict terms for an interview and use of material from the book, titled “Melania,” due to publish on October 8. On top of that, the agreement stipulated that “CNN shall pay a licensing fee of two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000).”
CNN did not sign the agreement.
Days later, after a separate CNN journalist asked Skyhorse Publishing about the exorbitant interview fee, the publisher said it had sent the payment demand by mistake.
Yeah, no. News organizations (the legitimate ones, at least) don’t pay guests to appear on air. Sure, they pay analysts, but analysts appear on air as representatives of the network, not guests.
I think the rare exception would be to cover long-distance travel if it’s necessary. But you don’t get a “speaker fee” or anything. Melania isn’t special, she gets nothing.
This is not what they are used to with their other “media” partners.