TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1166 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
- A recent settlement between ABC and Donald Trump over defamation highlights tensions in journalism. It raises questions about whether media outlets should stand firm against powerful figures or settle quickly to avoid lengthy legal battles.
- The legal standard for defamation is quite high, requiring proof of actual malice. This means journalists can make mistakes without facing severe penalties, as long as they aren't knowingly spreading false information.
- Many in the press are concerned that settling this lawsuit could set a troubling precedent and make journalists more hesitant to report on powerful people, potentially stifling free speech and critical journalism.