Origins of Catch-and-Kill
The term “catch-and-kill” was coined by old-time tabloid editors to describe the practice of buying exclusive rights to stories with the intent of never publishing them, effectively burying the information.
Motivations Behind Catch-and-Kill
In the realm of tabloid journalism where ethical boundaries are often blurred, deciding what to publish or suppress can involve a complex calculation of favors exchanged and strategic considerations.
David Pecker’s Mastery of Catch-and-Kill
David Pecker, the former publisher of The National Enquirer and other tabloids, was known for his adept use of catch-and-kill tactics. He strategically acquired negative stories to protect his interests, as exemplified during the California recall election involving Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Notable Instances of Catch-and-Kill
- American Media Inc., under Pecker’s leadership, paid substantial sums to suppress stories about Arnold Schwarzenegger’s personal life during his political campaign.
- Pecker’s publications made deals with various celebrities, including trading information about Tiger Woods for exclusive interviews.
- In the 2016 presidential election, catch-and-kill tactics were allegedly used to suppress negative stories about Donald J. Trump and influence public opinion in favor of his candidacy.
