CNN says it requested an interview with Melania Trump through her book publisher and was told it would cost the network $250,000.
“Nearly two months ago, CNN reached out to Melania Trump’s book publisher to request an interview with the former first lady ahead of her upcoming memoir. After several exchanges about a possible interview, the publisher sent an unusual demand last week: an interview would cost $250,000,” CNN reported in an article about the incident published Thursday.
According to CNN, Skyhorse Publishing emailed the network a nondisclosure agreement that detailed its terms for an interview, including use of material from the book. It stated that CNN would have to pay a “licensing fee” of $250,000.
CNN said one of its journalists subsequently contacted Skyhorse to ask about the “exorbitant” interview fee, and the publisher responded saying it had sent the payment request by mistake.
Tony Lyons, Skyhorse’s president and publisher, told CNN in a statement…