Embattled Studio Alters Policy on ‘Video Paparazzi’

Faced with a snowballing celebrity boycott of “Entertainment Tonight,” Paramount Television announced Tuesday that its sister program “Hard Copy” will no longer buy “video paparazzi” footage that unduly intrudes on celebrity privacy.

The studio’s announced policy change breaks a weeklong silence during which a widely publicized boycott by “ER” star George Clooney grew to include Madonna, Rosie O’Donnell, Whoopi Goldberg, director Steven Spielberg and other celebrities.

Paramount said it “will not solicit, purchase or air” footage in which the camera operator harasses the subject to provoke a reaction, footage taken in the privacy of a celebrity’s home, footage showing the address of a star’s private residence, or footage known to have been obtained illegally.

The announcement follows a period in which celebrities say certain videographers, referred to as “stalkerazzi,” have become increasingly aggressive, resulting in lawsuits or arrests when performers lashed out at them.

In March, actor Alec Baldwin was acquitted on assault charges after an incident involving a videographer seeking pictures of his new baby. More recent, a crush for video and pictures ensued after the birth of Madonna’s child. Last week, Warner Bros. had three cameramen arrested--one with a camera in his sock and a note in his pocket that read “Batman-only, $35,000”--for trespassing on the “Batman and Robin” movie set.

Several actors and their publicists have accused video operators of seeking more titillating footage by baiting celebrities--hoping to prompt a hostile reaction that can be captured on camera.

Reached late Tuesday, Clooney said he was heartened that Paramount was trying to take action but said he needs to analyze the policy more and discuss it with others, including Paramount brass, to see if it has gone far enough.

“What feels good about this is that Paramount Television has decided to change their policy in a very positive step,” he said. “It doesn’t fix the problem, but it’s certainly a step in the right direction. It takes care of everything I asked for and pretty much everything Madonna asked for, but it doesn’t necessarily cover what Alec Baldwin was going through with people jumping out and taking pictures of him and his family.”

Others in the entertainment community say that although it’s a laudable effort, the policy may be too little, too late.

“It’s a good start, but I don’t think it’s enough yet,” said Joel Schumacher, director of “Batman,” which stars Clooney. “The shame here is that it’s taken arrests and boycotts for Paramount Television group and ‘Hard Copy’ to try to do something decent.”

Some journalists are skeptical that the new policy will have much effect on the antics of video paparazzi. They said it might help repair some relationships severed with “Entertainment Tonight” but it won’t stop video paparazzi from plying their trade.

“I think they’re trying to defuse the situation . . . but I’m not sure the remedy is going to be effective,” said William J. Drummond, a UC Berkeley journalism professor. “ ‘Hard Copy’ is hardly the lowest line in this. There are plenty that go below that. And what these Paramount guys won’t buy, somebody else will.”

Although the shared parentage of the shows was known, Paramount opened the door to the boycott when a high-ranking executive wrote Clooney in March--responding to his initial threat to shun “ET”--promising that “Hard Copy” “will not be covering you in any future stories.” When the show ran a piece on Clooney last month, the actor fired off his boycott letter.

Other actors gradually joined him, resulting in a public relations nightmare for the studio. Kerry McCluggage, chairman of Paramount’s television group, approached Clooney about resolving the matter.

“Entertainment Tonight” is one of TV’s longest-running programs, attracting strong ratings for stations that carry it. Altering Paramount’s policies represents a step to protect that franchise.

If Paramount refuses to buy certain footage, “Hard Copy” could find itself at a competitive disadvantage with other tabloid magazine programs. It’s unclear whether the leverage used against Paramount can work elsewhere.