Far-Right Politicians Charge After Mob-Hunting Author - November 17, 2022
Public figures are urged to take stands in support of civil liberties and humanitarian causes. Sometimes they do and sometimes not. This includes those in the literary and journalism worlds. The upside is public acclaim. The downsides are lawsuits and worse.

Defamation Suits Have Consequences, Some Unintended - August 23, 2022
Defamation and libel lawsuits in relation to media houses arise on occasion, seemingly with greater recent frequency. Publishers or broadcasters can be stung for issuing false, defamatory or libelous claims against persons or entities with intent to do malicious harm. But media houses, too, use these lawsuits, often to punish critics with egregious legal fees. Around the world, different jurisdictions have varying approaches to defamation and libel laws. Punishment is the thread through them all.

Top Legal Authorities Dive Into Murky Digital Waters - August 22, 2022
The dynastic war between new digital media platforms, no longer so new, and legacy publishers, widely seen as elderly, over legal provenance has taken many turns and twists. Publishers turned to lawmakers for financial redress. The digital platforms, largely owned by American technology concerns, mounted defence in the courts. The battle over links and snippets is entering a new phase.

Legislation On Track To Smack Abusive Lawsuits Against Journalists, Observers Wary - May 2, 2022
For a certain set of lawyers, life is about filing lawsuits. Sometimes these are to set right claims and grievances, the right to litigation being well-established. The big league in legal practice, which includes mergers and acquisitions, is defamation suits. The intent is to harm, injure and abuse as well as, for the lawyers, collect money. These lawsuits have been running wild.

Creeps Using Dubious Lawsuits Against Reporters In Lawmakers Sights - November 11, 2021
There is a movement afoot, however tepid, to reign in abusive use of courts and legal mechanisms to punish and silence media workers, investigative reporters in particular, and rights organizations. Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP) are widely condemned in most civilized circles as a harsh tactic meant to stifle media freedom and curb healthy communication. Those filing SLAPP are less interested in posing a winning argument than forcing their targets into long and expensive litigation. There are many examples.

Due Diligence Begins Early And Never Ends - March 29, 2021
Big media companies take their merger and acquisition activities quite seriously. There are not spur of the moment decisions. Legions of lawyers, accountants and senior managers are involved. Delivering a good deal for the boss can result in a hefty bonus. If it doesn’t work out, well, there’s always work from home.

The Glare Of News Media Reveals All - September 9, 2013
The wave of contention between governments and news media returned from the summer holidays with many media watchers. Press freedom as a democratic concept may be enjoined by nearly all kings, princes, presidents and prime ministers but reality can be quite different. They like having media under their thumb and, more and more, don’t mind showing it.