NAME: Jeanifer Hwang
AGE: 22
JOB TITLE: Freelance reporter
COMPANY: E! Entertainment
LOCATION: Los Angeles
HOW LONG YOU’VE BEEN AT IT: 1.5 years
What do you do?
I break entertainment news with the purpose of entertaining the world with reading material. An Air Force commander once told me that when troops get a brief moment to check out the entertainment websites while stationed in Iraq, it’s a temporary escape from their own real worlds.
Name-drop some celebrities you’ve met.
I’ll share, but remember that celebs are people like you and me! I’ve toasted wine with Mariah Carey, interviewed Carmen Electra and escorted Christina Aguilera on the red carpet. I’ve met Nas, Snoop Dogg and Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes.
What are your hours like?
I can work anywhere from zero to 1,000 hours a week. I’m always “on.” When Britney was hospitalized at UCLA Medical Center in January, we were working well into the morning hours.
How do you get the scoop?
I maintain relationships in several different entertainment circles and stay in close contact with celebrities and their friends. Because I am careful when exposing news, my sources feel comfortable sharing information with me.
Do you ever feel that entertainment journalists reach too far into personal lives of celebrities?
With celebrities, it’s a give and take relationship. Celebrities actually do want to be in the media, so they need us as much as we need them. When you become famous, you know what you’re in for.
But in some instances, it’s definitely gotten out of control. At the end of the day, nothing is worth putting someone’s life in danger.
What’s one of your most memorable assignments?
Attending Tony Bennett’s 80th birthday celebration was quite memorable. Stevie Wonder andMarc Anthony performed, George Clooney spoke and Billy Crystal was the host. But it was Mr. Bennett’s performance that blew everyone away. He has said, “You have to be different. If you do what everyone else is doing, you’re just one of the crowd.” That’s a philosophy I live by.
