According to reports, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex experienced what their spokesperson described as a "near-catastrophic" pursuit by paparazzi in a car chase last week. This incident drew comparisons to the tragic accident that claimed the life of Harry's mother, Princess Diana, in 1997. Nonetheless, Bloomberg Opinion columnist Allison Schrager questions the extent of the similarities.
In her article for The Olympian, Alison explains, "The incident wasn't a mere repetition of history; instead, it offered a glimpse into the future of our economy as technology continues to reshape our job landscape." She goes on to assert that it reflected how much the world has evolved, not how it has remained the same in the 25 years since Princess Diana's passing.
Alison elaborates, "Technology has disrupted the economics of celebrity photography. In reality, being pursued and harassed by the press is not as prevalent nowadays because photographers find it less worthwhile. Harry and Meghan, rather than being representative of an ongoing issue, were an unfortunate exception."
Having spent time with seasoned paparazzi in New York a few years ago, Alison further shares that the "Golden Era" of paparazzi photos has largely faded. This decline can be attributed to the downturn of glossy magazines during the late 2000s recession, followed by the rise of social media platforms where celebrities themselves share lucrative images.
Revealing the drastic drop in prices, from paparazzi photos that once commanded $10,000 to $20,000 per picture to now fetching merely $10 to $20, Alison notes, "Harry and Meghan are still capable of attracting a payday, albeit significantly less lucrative than before."
"The paparazzi face the same challenges as individuals in other professions within a transforming economy," she continues, emphasizing the impact of technology on livelihoods and the consolidation of industries into a few major players. These changes render some jobs obsolete, affecting even seemingly overlooked professions.
Alison states, "This is the price we pay for progress. Our culture evolves, leading to the disappearance of jobs that once formed the backbone of communities. This reality extends to professions we often overlook."
The expert concludes, "While Harry and Meghan maintain a strained relationship with the paparazzi and aim to transform the industry, their efforts may be unnecessary. The market is already undertaking those changes on their behalf."
