Facebook Is Paying Millions to News Outlets and Celebrities to Create Live Video

It’s been known for some time that Facebook is paying media companies and celebrities cash in return for using its Facebook Live video feature, but what hasn’t been known is exactly how much it is paying them. According to a document recently obtained by the Wall Street Journal, the social networking giant has signed as many as 140 contracts worth a total of $50 million. The list of media outlets being paid by Facebook includes traditional players such as CNN and the New York Times, the Journal says, as well as digital-only publishers like Vox, Mashable, and BuzzFeed. The celebrities who are being compensated for creating live video include comedian Kevin Hart and chef Gordon Ramsay. More...