TMZ TV = ZZZZZZZZZ

By Tom Tapp

The premiere of TMZ TV on Fox was shocking.

Not because it had pictures of Britney's nether regions. Not because it had followup revelations to the site's scoop on Mel Gibson. But because the show's lead story was about a third rate actor stealing a license plate.

Wow. How could an outfit that seemingly so has the pulse of what America wants go so wrong?

Maybe TMZ honcho Harvey Levin wanted an exclusive. But even then, as the site demonstrates daily, there's much more compelling celebrity filth out there.

Even just following Spears around Vegas after she'd let it all hang out at the VMAs would have been a step in the right (wrong) direction.

Thus, TMZ TV stands as yet another warning sign on the bridge between old and new media.

Someone who has a better chance to make it over the hump is Perez Hilton. His show on VH1 looks to leverage his power as celebrity blog king. Even as he makes fun of them, the celebrities line up to kiss his ring. And the show will be more than gossip.

He's landed interviews with Mandy Moore, Nelly Furtado and Pete Wentz.

Not necessarily people I care about, but better business than a license plate thief.