The NPR Politics Podcast A $787.5 Million Check — How Fox News Ended Election Lies Lawsuit
Apr 19, 2023
In this insightful discussion, David Folkenflik, NPR's media correspondent, dives into the $787.5 million settlement between Fox News and Dominion Voting Systems. He unpacks the significance of this landmark case in the realm of media accountability and its potential effects on public trust in elections. Topics include the challenges of proving damages from misinformation and the real-world repercussions faced by individuals amid election disinformation. The conversation highlights the ongoing threats to election officials and the fight for electoral integrity.
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Fox Settles Defamation Lawsuit
- Fox News settled with Dominion Voting Systems for $787.5 million over false election claims.
- While Fox acknowledged the falsehoods, the settlement allows them to avoid a divisive trial.
Dominion's Alleged Damages
- Dominion Voting Systems claimed $1.6 billion in damages, alleging harm to profits, potential business, and company value.
- Proving the exact damage amount was challenging, as Dominion had to link losses directly to Fox's misinformation.
Impact on Media Landscape
- The settlement avoids potential challenges to press protections under the 1964 Supreme Court ruling.
- Some justices had signaled willingness to revisit these protections, which could have had broad implications.