FOX news, among others, jumped the gun…and shot themselves in the foot. by Raven West
(libertarian)
Monday, August 2, 2010
In this age of "Slim FAST", "Instant" oatmeal, micro-wave meals, and "news" at the speed of light, it's no wonder that recent events surrounding once little-known Shirley Sherrod have blown up in the faces of the quick-to-judge and quicker-to-condemn media.
Once again, in an effort to beat out the other guy, FOX news, among others, jumped the gun and shot themselves in the foot. It wasn't until AFTER her entire speech was presented, did the apologies begin to fly. And did they ever! Now, Sherrod is talking a law suit, I'm assuming she'll go for defamation, but therein lies a problem
Other than the fact that truth is a very viable defense on defamation, there is also the problem with the law under the definition of "public" figure. After NYTimes v Sullivan, there were a series of defenses to defamation if the person bringing the charges was someone who was, well, basically asking for it.
That would include politicians, musicians and, dare I say, actors. But, was Sherrod a "public" figure in the true sense of the word before she became a, well, public figure? Thats for a judge to decide.
In today's on-line word, anyone with a blog (including myself) can call themselves a journalist. The more popular the blogger, the better their change of becoming a "public" figure. Defamation works both ways, as do defenses.
Bottom line is the same rule of journalism that existed long before texts and 140 tweets CHECK THE FACTS, and cover your a- -.
Sticks and stones can break your bones, but words, especially ones written at the speed of light without thought or facts CAN hurt you, and hurt to the tune of a multi-million dollar defamation lawsuit!
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The views expressed
in this article are those of Raven West only and
do not represent the views of Nolan Chart, LLC or its affiliates.
Raven West is solely responsible for the contents
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