The Hollywood Reporter
Andrew Wallenstein reports that the launch of People’s iPad app is being delayed as the magazine negotiates with nearly a dozen celebrity photo agencies for rights to use their images in the app.
Wallenstein writes that the dispute is focused on People, but other celebrity-focused publications are watching the negotiations with interest. In a statement from People, a spokesman denied the app was being delayed by the reported photo agency dispute.
The involved “paparazzi” photo agencies include Bauer-Griffin, Startraks, Pacific Coast News, Splash News, Flynet Pictures, Star Max, INF and Fame Pictures. Talks are expected to continue Thursday in New York:
” ‘I do think it’s an important moment as far as the photo-agency business model,’ said Jill Stempel, New York bureau chief for World Entertainment News Network, which on Tuesday was considering joining the agency alliance. ‘We need to take a stand.’ “
