Amicus With Dahlia Lithwick | Law, justice, and the courts Defamation Stations!
9 snips
Dec 21, 2024 Join Margaret Sullivan, a leading media columnist and author, alongside Sonja R West, a First Amendment law expert, as they delve into the chilling effects of Donald Trump's defamation lawsuits on press freedom. They discuss ABC's $16 million settlement, the implications for journalism's integrity, and the increasing intimidation tactics faced by reporters today. With insights into the historical significance of landmark cases and evolving judicial perspectives, this conversation underscores the critical importance of supporting a free and robust press.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
ABC Settles with Trump
- ABC News settled Donald Trump's defamation lawsuit for $16 million after George Stephanopoulos said a jury found Trump liable for "rape".
- ABC/Disney aimed to protect press freedom, but critics see it as capitulation.
Chilling Effect of Settlement
- Settling with Trump encourages more lawsuits and bullying against the press.
- The Buffalo News, where Margaret Sullivan worked, avoids settlements to deter future suits.
Settling Due to Trump's Status
- ABC likely settled due to Trump's status, contradicting First Amendment principles.
- Their strong defense and Disney's resources made settling seem unusual.