What Happened to TMZ News?
TMZ News, a prominent American entertainment tabloid news organization founded in 2005 by Harvey Levin, has continued its operations under the ownership of Fox Corporation since its acquisition from WarnerMedia in September 2021. The outlet remains a key source for breaking celebrity news and gossip, expanding its digital footprint and television programming while navigating ongoing criticisms regarding its journalistic practices and recent controversies.
Quick Answer
TMZ News is currently owned and operated by Fox Corporation, which acquired the entertainment news platform from WarnerMedia in September 2021. Under Fox, TMZ continues to be a leading source for celebrity gossip and breaking entertainment news through its website, syndicated television shows like 'TMZ' and 'TMZ Live,' and specialized branches such as 'TMZ Sports.' Founder Harvey Levin remains at the helm as Executive Producer, overseeing its day-to-day operations and editorial direction, with the platform actively reporting on events up to March 27, 2026.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline12 events
TMZ.com Launches
TMZ.com, a collaboration between AOL and Telepictures (a division of Warner Bros.), is launched with Harvey Levin as its managing editor.
Breaks Mel Gibson DUI Story
TMZ gains significant notoriety by exclusively reporting on Mel Gibson's DUI arrest and subsequent antisemitic remarks, establishing its reputation for breaking major celebrity scandals.
TMZ on TV Debuts
The syndicated television program 'TMZ on TV' launches, expanding the brand's reach beyond its digital platform.
AOL Divests from Partnership
Time Warner divests AOL, making Telepictures (Warner Bros.) the sole owner of TMZ.
TMZ Sports Launches
TMZ expands its brand with the launch of TMZ Sports, focusing on news and gossip related to athletes.
Acquired by Fox Entertainment
Fox Entertainment acquires TMZ and all its media properties from WarnerMedia for a reported $50 million. Harvey Levin remains as managing editor.
Criticized for Liam Payne Photos
TMZ faces widespread criticism for publishing photos of identifying tattoos on Liam Payne's deceased body and the scene of his death, later removing them due to public outrage.
Apologizes for 'Tone Deaf Laughter'
TMZ issues an apology after being criticized for 'tone deaf laughter' heard during a live report about the death of Charlie Kirk, stating employees were reacting to a separate car chase.
TMZ Presents Audience Reaches Over 1 Million
The 'TMZ Presents' program on FOX is watched by 1,077,000 people, indicating continued viewership for its special programming.
Reports LaGuardia Airport Plane Collision
TMZ breaks news of a plane colliding with a fire truck at New York's LaGuardia Airport, resulting in the deaths of two pilots.
Reports on Secret Service Agent Shooting
TMZ reports that a Secret Service agent accidentally shot himself in the leg at Philadelphia International Airport while on assignment escorting Jill Biden.
Launches 'Controversial S#!T' Campaign
TMZ initiates a campaign encouraging the public to photograph vacationing members of Congress, sparking debate about privacy versus public accountability.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
TMZ, an acronym for 'Thirty Mile Zone,' was launched on November 8, 2005, as a collaborative effort between AOL and Telepictures, a division of Warner Bros.. Co-founded by lawyer-turned-journalist Harvey Levin and the late Jim Paratore, the platform quickly distinguished itself by breaking major celebrity stories, often ahead of traditional media outlets. Its early scoops included Mel Gibson's DUI arrest and the deaths of high-profile figures like Michael Jackson and Heath Ledger, fundamentally altering the landscape of entertainment journalism.
A significant turning point for TMZ occurred on September 13, 2021, when Fox Entertainment acquired TMZ and all its media properties from WarnerMedia for a reported $50 million. This acquisition included its flagship website TMZ.com, syndicated programs 'TMZ' and 'TMZ Live,' 'TMZ Sports,' TooFab.com, and celebrity tour operations. The move was part of WarnerMedia's parent company AT&T's strategy to shed assets and Fox's aim to expand its digital footprint and alternative programming. Harvey Levin remained as the founder and managing editor, continuing to oversee daily operations under Fox Entertainment.
Under Fox's ownership, TMZ has maintained its aggressive, often controversial, approach to celebrity news. While it continues to break exclusive stories, it has also faced criticism. For instance, in October 2024, TMZ drew significant backlash for publishing graphic photos related to the death of singer Liam Payne, which were later removed. In September 2025, the organization apologized for what it termed 'tone deaf laughter' heard during a live report on the death of Charlie Kirk, clarifying that employees were reacting to a separate car chase.
As of March 2026, TMZ remains an active and influential force in entertainment news. Its website, tmz.com, recorded 43.95 million visits in February 2026, with a global ranking of 811 and a U.S. ranking of 249. The platform continues to produce various television specials, such as 'TMZ Presents' and 'TMZ Investigates,' which garnered audiences of over a million viewers in early 2026. Recent reports by TMZ in March 2026 include a Secret Service agent's accidental shooting at an airport, a boxer's felony charge being dropped, and a streamer's arrest. The organization also sparked debate on March 27, 2026, by launching a campaign encouraging the public to photograph vacationing members of Congress, raising questions about privacy and accountability. Harvey Levin continues to be a key figure, actively involved as Executive Producer.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if TMZ News made different choices?