Silent partner
The mass media industry has a veil of glamour surrounding it, which attracts a lot of the wrong people to its workforce. There are many fame hungry social climbers looking to use their entry-level job as a stepping-stone to becoming a celebrity, or for the bragging rights to say they know a public figure on a first name basis. If you’re one of these delusional wannabes, you might want to consider confidentiality becoming an obstacle.
Confidentiality plays a large part of any media related profession. The staff has privy knowledge before the rest of the world does, and you’re expected to keep your mouth closed about these details if you want to keep your job and avoid a lawsuit. You need to understand that you won’t be able to discuss the ad campaign you shot for L’Oreal Cosmetics starring Beyoncé. You won’t be able to discuss who won the new season of Survivor. You won’t be able to discuss how First Lady Michelle Obama criticized one of the production members for having “bad lighting”. All of these are hypothetical scenarios, but they are indeed realistic!
Confidentiality agreements you sign will hinder you from admitting you’re the real “genius writer” of that oscar winning film, or the author of that “amazing speech” given by a politician, therefore don’t enter the industry looking for fame. Ghostwriters aren’t famous, but they can cash checks! Your job might allow you to witness or be informed of some amazing details, but you’re not able to discuss them. For those of you that think you’ll have this glamorous job you can go home and gab about, think again! Don’t leak information on social media, record conversations that should remain private, or snap pictures with your iPhone of a female celeb without her wig. Those actions reflect that you’re in it for the wrong reasons. Your employer hired you to do your intended job, not to be an informant for the National Enquirer . All I’m trying to say is, love your craft, do outstanding work, and enjoy the perks along the way!
What are your thoughts about confidentiality agreements in media? Do you see them as a form of censorship?
Mass Media Critic 