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hack89

(39,181 posts)

5. The bar has to be high to discourage frivolous lawsuits

Reply to TimberValley (Reply #4)

Tue Apr 9, 2013, 09:18 AM

Apr 2013

even if the media wins, it can be expensive. We want our press to feel they can report on public officials without constantly looking over their shoulders for a law suit.

A free press is critical for open and transparent government. The line should always be drawn to favor the press.

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The requirement for convicting a media source of libel ought to be much lower. [View all] TimberValley Apr 2013 OP

The tricky thing is proving they knew it wasn't true or that reasonable reporting should have el_bryanto Apr 2013 #1

OK, but maybe they should be made to pay compensation or some sort of penalty TimberValley Apr 2013 #2

It sounds good - but it could have a chilling effect on discourse el_bryanto Apr 2013 #3

If the information is false, though, why shouldn't such reporters be punished? TimberValley Apr 2013 #4

The bar has to be high to discourage frivolous lawsuits hack89 Apr 2013 #5

Freedom of press shouldn't apply if the information is false. TimberValley Apr 2013 #6

I want the government to be scared of the press hack89 Apr 2013 #8

What I had in mind in the OP wasn't so much the government, but individuals. TimberValley Apr 2013 #9

+1 onenote Apr 2013 #7

What is required is a clear distinction between observed fact and opinion. bemildred Apr 2013 #10

well if you go too far then you have the English system dsc Apr 2013 #11

True, but some media sources could also disguise intentional falsehood as honest mistakes. n/t. TimberValley Apr 2013 #12

"Honest mistakes" should still be suable, just like any other industry. TimberValley Apr 2013 #13

Here is why we have this standard dsc Apr 2013 #14

for non-public figures that is the law. onenote Apr 2013 #15