NEW YORK TIMES: AMERICA'S BEST TABLOID?

NEW YORK TIMES: AMERICA'S BEST TABLOID?

LOS ANGELES (Wireless Flash) -- "The New York Times" probably won't want to hear this, but a former tabloid TV producer is calling the reputable rag the best tabloid in the U.S. Former "A Current Affair" producer Burt Kearns says that even though the "New York Times" turns its nose up at tabloids, many classic tabloid stories actually appeared first in the "Times" -- such as the Amy Fisher "Long Island Lolita" case. And even though some journalists discredit the tabloids because they pay for stories, Kearns claims so-called "respectable outlets" also pay for stories but call it a "consultant's fee." Kearns discusses the rise and fall of tabloid TV in his upcoming book, "Tabloid Baby" (Celebrity Books), which hits stores in October.