The Powers That Be: Daily The Strange Case of Trump v. CBS News
Jan 22, 2025
Eriq Gardner, a seasoned legal journalist specializing in media law, joins to unravel the compelling defamation lawsuit where CNN was ordered to pay $5 million to Navy veteran Zachary Young. They examine Trump's contentious suit against CBS News, accusing them of election interference, raising questions about its legitimacy. The discussion highlights how major media networks are navigating legal challenges and the implications of potential settlements, all while contemplating the evolving landscape of journalism and defamation risk.
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CNN Lawsuit
- CNN was sued by Zachary Young, a Navy veteran, for defamation after a 2021 report.
- The report implied he profited unfairly from aiding Afghan refugees, although it didn't explicitly accuse him of criminal activity.
CNN's Mistakes
- CNN's loss wasn't surprising given the revealed internal communications.
- Messages showed producers aiming to "nail" Young and a potential lack of adequate response time given to him.
Settlement Amount
- Though the final settlement amount is confidential, it's estimated between $10-30 million.
- Despite claiming declining fortunes, CNN's estimated $5 million daily revenue suggests they can afford the settlement.