CNN reports that the conservative media outlet Independent Journal Review (“IRJ”) is asking employees to sign non-compete agreements. The restrictive covenants bar journalists and other employees from working in any capacity for any other media outlet worldwide for six-months. In other words, these trained professionals will not be able to practice their trade for half a year if they leave IRJ. This is not the first non-compete in the media world to be publicized, and this may indicate a troubling trend in that industry.
As the employment lawyers quoted in the story state, it is unlikely that court will uphold such broad restrictions, but many of these employees likely lack the financial resources to challenge the agreements should the company choose to enforce them.