The one thing I learned as a journalist is that you’re always on camera, even when you think you’re not. I’m not just talking about being on the job. Nowadays everyone has a smartphone equipped with a camera. Everywhere you go, you’re under surveillance. Just recently, ESPN reporter Britt McHenry was caught on camera berating a tow company employee.
It’s not clear what made McHenry upset. She could be heard spewing expletives at the clerk and other cringeworthy comments like,
“I wouldn’t want to work at a scumbag place like this,” before ending the exchange saying,“Lose some weight, baby girl.”
She’s later tweeted this apology along with an explanation for her actions, and has been suspended from her ESPN gig for one week:
In an intense and stressful moment, I allowed my emotions to get the best of me and said some insulting and regrettable things. As frustrated as I was, I should always choose to be respectful and take the high road. I am so sorry for my actions and will learn from this mistake.
I’ve been in countless situations where I feel like I’d lose my cool, but I never do. For one, I’m usually with my children and I wouldn’t want to set a bad example. I’m also in the public eye and wouldn’t want to embarrass myself or the company I work for.
Don’t get me wrong; if there is a moment where I feel like I’m being taken advantage of, I will speak up. However, insulting someone the way McHenry did is totally unacceptable.
Brit McHenry’s confrontation with tow clerk teaches an important lesson. Whenever someone asks me advice about being in the news industry, I always tell them, you’re always on camera, even when you think you’re not.
Your best bet is to always keep it cordial no matter your profession because you may find yourself in the news.
Do you think ESPN was right to suspend McHenry?
Photo: WikiMedia