As of 19 February 2026, TMZ (Thirty Mile Zone) remains a dominant force in the global entertainment news landscape, currently finding itself at the centre of a high-stakes criminal investigation involving the abduction of Nancy Guthrie, mother of NBC’s Savannah Guthrie.
Founded in 2005 by former lawyer Harvey Levin and the late Jim Paratore, the outlet has evolved from a celebrity gossip website into a primary source for breaking news that often intersects with legal and criminal proceedings. Under Levin’s continued leadership as Executive Producer, the brand operates across digital platforms, syndicated television (TMZ on TV, TMZ Live), and podcasts.
Current Headlines: The Nancy Guthrie Abduction
In the last seven days, TMZ has transitioned from reporting on the news to becoming a central figure in the search for Nancy Guthrie. The outlet has reportedly become a primary contact point for the alleged kidnappers:
- Ransom Demands: On 18 February 2026, Harvey Levin confirmed that TMZ received a fourth “graphic” ransom note. This follows a series of communications demanding Bitcoin in exchange for Guthrie’s location.
- FBI Involvement: Levin has stated that the FBI is “very interested” in the digital trail of these letters. The investigation has now gone international, with federal agents contacting Mexican authorities as the search expands toward the southern border.
- Public Appeals: TMZ has used its platform to issue a direct proposition to the sender of the emails, urging them to come forward with verifiable information.
Recent Entertainment & Industry News
While the Guthrie case dominates the news cycle, TMZ continues its traditional coverage of Hollywood’s elite:
- Shia LaBeouf: The outlet reported on the actor’s arrest in New Orleans, followed by footage of him partying only hours after his release.
- Tragic Loss: Reports confirmed the passing of Grey’s Anatomy star Eric Dane at age 53 following a battle with ALS.
- Corporate Status: Since its 2021 acquisition by FOX Entertainment from WarnerMedia, TMZ has deepened its integration with Fox properties, though it maintains its distinct, aggressive editorial voice.
The “Thirty Mile Zone” Legacy
The name “TMZ” refers to the “studio zone” in Los Angeles, a 30-mile (48 km) radius around Beverly Boulevard and La Cienega Boulevard that historically governed union rules for film projects. Since its inception, the outlet has been credited—and often criticized—for “democratizing” celebrity coverage through the use of citizen journalism and aggressive field reporting.
| Key Figure | Role | Background |
|---|---|---|
| Harvey Levin | Founder & Executive Producer | Former lawyer and KCBS-TV legal expert. |
| Jamie Schram | News Director | Oversees daily editorial operations and breaking leads. |
Editor’s Note: TMZ’s role in the Guthrie case highlights a growing trend of media outlets serving as intermediaries in active criminal investigations, a development that continues to spark debate regarding journalistic ethics and public safety.