The Conversation - Defamation deal protects news media

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Whatever you think of Fox News, its controversial hosts, right-wing politics or questionable media ethics, the network’s blockbuster settlement in the Dominion Voting Systems defamation suit was, in one key respect, a win for American journalism.

That’s not because it means Fox will have to correct the record and admit its hosts and guests repeatedly lied to viewers about the outcome of the 2020 presidential election and specific voting systems. Unfortunately, that was not part of the deal.

Instead, it’s a journalism win because the protection of reporters – who represent an important pillar of democracy – won’t, ultimately, be threatened by the lawsuit’s outcome or potential appeals.

Jane Kirtley, a scholar of media ethics and law, explains how the 1964 Supreme Court decision New York Times v. Sullivan has shielded journalists from powerful people who might file frivolous lawsuits to still their pens and safeguard their own reputations.

“I hold no brief for Fox,” writes Kirtley. “But had the Dominion case gone to the jury, the inevitable appeal by whomever lost would give the Supreme Court the chance to reconsider and possibly eliminate the New York Times v. Sullivan standard that protects all news media of all political stripes.”

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Lorna Grisby

Senior Politics & Society Editor

Dominion Voting Systems CEO John Poulos, third from right, leaves court with members of his legal team after reaching a reported $787.5 million settlement with Fox News. Alex Wong/ Getty Images News via Getty Images

Why Fox News’ settlement with Dominion Voting Systems is good news for all media outlets

Jane E. Kirtley, University of Minnesota

Despite Fox News’ questionable ethics, its last-minute settlement with Dominion Voting Systems was a win for all media.

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