Power User with Taylor Lorenz The Right-Wing Plot to ‘Murder’ a Free Press
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Mar 13, 2025 David Enrich, a seasoned journalist at the New York Times and author of "Murder the Truth," dives into the threats facing America's free press. He discusses the landmark Supreme Court case New York Times v. Sullivan and its implications for media freedom. Enrich highlights a coordinated right-wing campaign to undermine this legal protection, sharing insights on wealthy individuals' influence on press freedom and the struggles independent journalists face today. This conversation raises critical questions about the future of dissenting voices in democracy.
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NYT vs. Sullivan
- In 1960, The New York Times published an ad supporting Martin Luther King that criticized Southern officials.
- Although mostly true, minor inaccuracies led L.B. Sullivan to sue, revealing how lawsuits can suppress reporting.
Journalism Transformation
- Pre-Sullivan, journalists acted like stenographers, relaying official statements without much critical analysis.
- Post-Sullivan, investigative journalism flourished, exposing truths about Vietnam, Watergate, and other crucial events.
Gawker's Downfall
- Peter Thiel secretly funded Hulk Hogan's lawsuit against Gawker, bankrupting them over a sex tape.
- This demonstrated how billionaires can use litigation to silence critical media outlets, creating a chilling effect.
