Entertainment

Larry King lands Paris Hilton interview

After a week of competition between networks, CNN's Larry King Live has confirmed Paris Hilton is to give her first post-jail TV interview to the show on June 27.

Paris Hilton's first television interview after her release from jail will be with CNN's Larry King Live, according to a spokeswoman for the show.

"We do have Paris on Wednesday. She'll do the whole hour," confirmed Bridget Leininger late Saturday night. The Hilton camp has yet to verify this.

The 26-year-old reality TV star will serve 23 days of a 45-day sentence for violating probation in an alcohol-related driving case. Authorities announced Friday they will release her some time on June 26.

The CNN announcement follows a week of fierce competition between the networks to win the hotel heiress's first interview. ABC and NBC were reportedly offering anywhere from $50,000 to $1 million US for the privilege.

But criticism began to mount against the networks, leading to denials by both that they pay for interviews.The Hilton family also released a statement saying they never asked for money.

Hilton's case has been a contentious one.Early on, officials indicated she would probably get time off for good behaviour, especially since the jail is crowded.

After she surrendered to authorities on June 3, Sheriff Lee Baca released her to electronically monitored house arrest on June 7, citing an undisclosed medical condition.

The next day, a judge sent Hilton back to jail, stating she would serve her full sentence.

Baca is now under investigation for possibly providing preferential treatment to Hilton.

Hilton feeling grateful

While Hilton was seen crying as she was led back to jail, she has since indicated her second time around at incarceration has made her a better person.

In a jailhouse interview on June 21 with E! News, she said, "I appreciate everything now.

"I was really scared to come here at first, but all the inmates have been really nice and supportive and, I don't know, it was different than I thought it would be."

Hilton also said she's considering setting up a transition house for newly released inmates.

With files from the Associated Press