Nikki Finke's 'Deadline Hollywood'

One of the most influential powers behind Hollywood's biggest studios and producers is in fact an independent blogger named Nikki Finke. She runs a frequently updated blog called "Deadline Hollywood." A range of stories are covered from those that are so technical in terms of company dealings that only those in the know would really care, to the more gossipy snippets. The site has a section that links to different categories of stories she writes. Those recently in the news like James Cameron may have their own link. There is also a "best of" sections. Nikki's greatest hits. A recent New Yorker article did a thorough story on Finke and her blog, the most striking aspect of which was the revelation of the sheer power the blog wields. This is most definitely an instance of the reporters affecting the news. Finke may directly affect dealings with her reports which often anticipate precisely what will happen, such as buyouts, mergers, etc. She then lays on her favorite catchphrase: Toldja. If It is hard to tell what drives Finke other than her apparently omniscient ability to know about the secretive inner workings behind Hollywood doors. Finke is feared, actually. Her tendrils in the movie industry are such that the article suggests it is best simply to get on good terms with her than attempt to fight the power of the blog. Finke's snarky attitude seems to exist in part to undermine the egos of wealthy executives, and yet she extends better treatment to those she likes, (those who feed her stories, etc.) From a hegemonic perspective Finke's blog can be seen as a counterweight to the power of Hollywood studios by attempting to bring the truth to the public surface. At the same time, Finke seems to write from a capitalist position that explores the revenues of various films and their popularity, the hidden ideology being that profit, begotten by unobjectionable methods, is the ultimate goal. Her blog is thus both a piece of the dominant cultural circuit while both scrupulously covering those in charge and holding their feet to the fire.