A Scribble

Radio Dilemma

I’m on my lunch break and I am plagued with a few dilemmas in my mind. Inevitable issues which I should have foreseen now that I am an employee at Microsoft but I think valid for public opinion, your opinion. Remember that everything written here are my own views and not attached to Microsoft.

This morning I got a pleasant phone call from one of the larger BBC Radio Stations in London. Again they were asking for my opinion, typically on Facebook as always. I was invited down to the studio to speak to a very well-known radio presenter on the air.

Despite now working in a full time job this interview could have been planned around my lunch break. Here is the problem though. Even though I would have been discussing every known subject under the sun – I would not have mentioned Microsoft. Quite deliberately. I am not a spokesperson for the company (although this would be a dream job!) and only deal with my personal opinions.

The problem is that because now Microsoft are paying me full time, they have ownership over my productivity, I have been left with a dilemma. After much advice I had been left but no choice but to reject the invitation from BBC Radio. I love it how my opinions are sought after, how I can provide content to help journalists fill their air time. I just need to tread carefully. I cannot afford for the media to make the link between me and my job and possibly come to irrational conclusions that I speak partly for the company or even convey some sort of general Microsoft employee bias.

Over the last 2 years I have worked very hard to get my foot into the door of journalism and the trade of opinion. In many ways I have worked very hard over the last 20 years of my life which have now lead me to have a job at Microsoft. A dream job which suits the fanatical technological fiend which I am.

I just need to wait and sort out my mind around this dilemma. Whilst working at Microsoft it looks difficult for me to approach the airways without some sort of risk attached to it. I guess I could contact the Microsoft press office for advice? Ask my manager how she feels about the subject?

Despite everything I have said the best times for me to comment would be at the weekend. Planned ahead radio interviews which means I can organise my week effectively. I guess I only have 11 months before this dilemma passed. My fear is that my foot will slip out the door of broadcasting. This is something which makes me shudder to the very core.