Public v. Private Figure

   A quick note on public and private figures. As a rule of thumb, every person is a private figure unless they fit under the prominent persons category.

   However, there are times when people knowingly throw themselves into the public eye, e.g. people involved in protest actions. This problem came up during the production of Common Tater II. A student spoke at a rally, yet didn't want a picture used in the publication.

   First of all, if a person's willing to speak for a cause, they should stand for it. If a person's going to stand up for something, should they only do it part-time? For example, if I were to only say I believe in God when I go to church, that would make me a hypocrite.

   This also brings up a point that you as a media person should think about. When people put themselves before the public eye, they are asking for attention. Whether it's political expediency, trying to impress their friends, whatever ... the fact is, when someone willingly places themself before the public, they can't expect the media to not report it. That's the media's job. As a rule of thumb, "If you don't want it printed, don't let it happen."

   In this example, no one forced the student to stand before that podium and audience. She did it of her own free will. Therefore, she's subject to coverage by the media. When covering a rally, you don't ask whether someone wants their picture used. They placed themselves in the public limelight and are therefore subject to public scrutiny. You are still required to gather the relevant identification information.

   This in contrast to a picture taken of students lying in the grass studying. They have privacy concerns as most likely they did not willingly place themselves in the public limelight.

If you don't understand something in this Web note, please e-mail Dr. Sitton.