Part 3/8:
This report, according to Young, not only misrepresented his operations but also placed his life—and the lives of those he was trying to assist—at risk. The segment reportedly presented information that was not only misleading, but was executed in a way that appeared to disregard journalistic standards.
The Legal Landscape of Defamation
Defamation cases against media outlets are notoriously challenging. Generally, individuals must meet a high standard, especially if they are deemed public figures—those who have a certain level of notoriety or influence. To win against a media entity, plaintiffs must demonstrate “actual malice,” defined as knowledge of falsity or reckless disregard for the truth.