Influencers and content curators have certainly carved out an interesting path for themselves. A career in the media world didn’t exist a decade ago. Fast forward to today, around 50 million people are contributing to the growth of the creator economy. Astonishingly, the worldwide creative economy is valued at $104.2 billion.
However, life in the media world extends beyond the glam and globetrotting. Unique risks accompany the opportunity to partner with renowned brands and earn billions.
To persuade customers to buy the products and services from the brand they partner with, influencers have to display their two cents front and center. As an influencer, you must learn to negotiate liability exposure skillfully, especially given that these exposures might crop up from a variety of sources.
That’s where media liability insurance comes into the picture. This type of coverage policy protects influencers in unimaginable ways. Don’t know what media liability insurance is? Worry not, for we’ll discuss it in detail in this guide and explain why it’s a must-have for influencers.
Media Liability Insurance: What is it?
Media liability insurance is a specialized form of coverage designed explicitly for media-related clients or organizations who are vulnerable to liability claims made by third parties. Publishers, advertising agencies, broadcasters, video or film producers, and other related firms that curate and distribute media content across multiple platforms purchase this type of policy.
What Does Media Liability Insurance Cover?
As the term “media” is an umbrella term for a variety of things, the coverage provided by media liability insurance is often tailored to the needs of the policyholder. Media liability insurance policy safeguards the insured from entertainment-related liability risks and common media, which, depending on the policy, include:
- Slander
- Libel
- Defamation
- Plagiarism
- Copyright infringement
- Unauthorized use of names, trademarks, or material
- Verbal or product disparagement
- Breach of product placement agreement or license agreement
- Invasion of privacy
- Breach of implied contract
A media liability policy typically covers almost all types of settlement costs or judgments obtained against the insured. Ancillary legal bills, as well as any necessary defense costs, are also covered by the policy.
3 Reasons Why Media Liability Insurance is Important for Influencers
Here are a few reasons why you must invest in a media liability insurance policy as an influencer:
1. Businesses Require It
It goes without saying that many businesses require contractors to carry different types of insurance. Organizations that hire social media influencers to promote their products or services are no exception.
No doubt, social media exposure is risky, and so is influencer marketing. Media liability insurance shifts this risk away from the organization that hired them onto the influencer. As it works like a safety net, influencers with such insurance are more likely to be signed by managers than those who don’t.
2. It Addresses Expense Resulting From Common Lawsuits
Let’s be honest, there will always be someone who will disagree with your opinions and ideas. It doesn’t matter how much scientifically-backed research you present. Someone will always find an issue with your statements.
Technological advances, Huntersure says, have further complicated the scenario as it allows media people to engage with audiences far and wide. However, with these advancements come potentially major liability concerns.
Quite unfortunately, such differences of opinion often result in lawsuits. That’s where media liability insurance, the backbone of influencer insurance, comes to your rescue. Your media liability insurance policy will cover any expense you may be liable to pay. Sounds good enough, doesn’t it?
3. It Provides You With a Lawyer for Handling Defamation Accusations
The two most common defamation claims in the media community are slander and libel. It is called slander when you say harmful things out loud about someone, such as in a video. Meanwhile, if someone accuses you of writing or releasing a negative statement about them, that is considered libel.
While you may think opinions are safe from lawsuits, that isn’t the case. If someone takes your opinion in a way unintended, you will get sued no matter how much you try to play safe.
As a result, you may be charged for defaming someone. In case that happens, your influencer insurance will take care of the legal defense costs and settlement fees. Also, your media liability insurance coverage will provide you with a lawyer to handle the legal proceedings.
What Next?
Not just for influencers, but a media liability insurance coverage policy is a must-have for media-related people and organizations. Be it online disputes, defamation cases, or personal injuries, your insurance policy will take care of everything from the get-go.
In regard to insurance coverage, however, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. That is why it’s always a good idea to work with a professional who can help you choose the right policy depending on your needs.
With the right coverage policy, you will be able to focus on work better and with confidence.
