It’s not coincidental that every time one of these sites starts taking off they begin loosening their own rules. They want the harassers here to a degree because their conduct gets people angry and posting. The more the metrics go up the more people with money start taking notice.

Moderation only has limits when engagement starts looking like dollar signs.

lastly: it’s important to understand that tho this complaint by the NLRB’s regional office is a huge step, it’s part of a larger process

the board’s complaint still needs to be litigated before a judge—and the change in presidential administrations could ultimately have a big impact on the outcome

also worth noting that historically all of these aggro provisions are loosened for production favorites. if production likes you, they’ll approve your podcast interviews and media appearances, or let you get away with quitting a show mid season

if they don’t, you can end up paying huge penalties

the NLRB also struck down contract clauses that threatened case members with a $50k penalty if they leave the show during filming

it’s worth remembering that most unscripted actors are paid little to nothing for their time on the show (ex: Bachelor players get $0 & have to take weeks off work)

this will have a big effect on the reality tv industry. one of the provisions the NLRB deemed unlawful is a common noncompete clause also seen in Bachelor contracts barring the cast from participating in *anything* (eg, podcasts, basic interviews, other productions) for a YEAR after the show airs