Comments on: Vicki Iseman sues New York Times

By: Vicki Iseman settles New York Times suit

Vicki Iseman settles New York Times suit — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 03:50:54 +0000

[…] Both sides claim victory in the defamation action, which arose from insinuations the paper made about the lobbyist’s close ties to Arizona Sen. John McCain. [Calderone/Politico, earlier] […]

By: VMS

VMS — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 23:29:54 +0000

Sucessfully suing a newspaper has MAJOR hurdles. See Milkovich v. Lorain Journal Co., 497 U.S. 1 (1990). Chapadeau v Utica Observer–Dispatch (38 NY2d 196) states the standard in New York. Chapadeau held that as long as an opinion relied on accurately stated and reported facts, it was not actionable as long as the content, tone and apparent purpose of the statement distinguished it as opinion.

These libel cases against newspapers, in New York, seem to fall by the waistside, with rare exceptions.

By: Melvin H.

Melvin H. — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 16:19:01 +0000

VMS, while I think that the amount sued for is too much, if MY reputation was sullied like that, I would go after the New York Times (and their reporter, editor, etc.) for a front-page (and Web) apology and retraction–and maybe the jobs of the reporter, editor, etc.
What would it take for YOU to do the same, if the Times did a piece which dragged your name around like their piece did her’s (and was nowhere close to the truth!)?

By: VMS

VMS — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 13:06:44 +0000

This is yet another example of suing bygones back into the spotlight.

By: Paul

Paul — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 09:54:47 +0000

And they think their paper is worth almost 600 bucks a year for delivery! I do hope that they defend themselves by explaining how little influence or value their front page has.