TMZ is an American entertainment news and tabloid media brand launched in 2005, originally as a collaboration between AOL and Telepictures, a division of Warner Bros. The name “TMZ” comes from the “Thirty Mile Zone,” a term used in Hollywood to describe the studio zone within a 30‑mile radius of Beverly and La Cienega in Los Angeles. Founded and led by lawyer‑turned‑journalist Harvey Levin, TMZ quickly became known for breaking celebrity news stories with speed and sensational detail, reshaping how entertainment journalism was consumed online.

Over the years, TMZ built its reputation on exclusives such as Mel Gibson’s DUI arrest, Michael Richards’ infamous comedy club incident, and Britney Spears’ divorce from Kevin Federline. Its mix of gossip, video clips, and paparazzi‑style reporting made it one of the most cited entertainment news sources in the U.S., often referenced by mainstream outlets. The brand expanded into television with TMZ on TV in 2007, later adding TMZ Live and TMZ Sports, cementing its presence across multiple platforms. By 2008, it was drawing more than 10 million monthly viewers, and publications like The New York Times and Newsweek recognized it as one of the most successful online ventures of its era.

In 2021, Fox Corporation acquired TMZ from WarnerMedia for $50 million, bringing the brand under Fox Entertainment. Today, TMZ operates from Playa Vista, California, and continues to thrive as a leading source of celebrity and entertainment news, blending traditional tabloid storytelling with digital immediacy. Its editorial team, led by Levin and co‑executive producer Charles Latibeaudiere, has maintained a distinctive voice that mixes humor, irreverence, and investigative reporting. TMZ remains a cultural force, shaping public perception of celebrity culture while sparking debates about privacy, ethics, and the boundaries of journalism.