How to Avoid Being Sued for a TV News Story

All journalists are at risk of being sued for their stories. Television station managers hate being sued, so it is in a reporter's best interest to avoid lawsuits. It is possible to be sued for any reason or no reason at all. A plaintiff does not need a valid reason to take you to court. However, there are ways to decrease the likelihood of being sued and increase the chances you will prevail if you are served with a lawsuit.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Understand what will get you sued. The primary things journalists are sued for are libel and slander. Libel is damage done to someone by something written or shown. Slander is damage done by something that is said. In order for a plaintiff to prove libel or slander, they must demonstrate that a journalist knew, or should have known, that the damaging information was wrong but reported it anyway. The plaintiff must also proof that they were damaged.

2. Be professional when reporting. Always verify information and attribute quotes. Double check names and identification of people you interview or show. Be fair and balanced in your stories. If you are using anonymous sources make sure they can back up what they are telling you. Reporters can not be successfully sued for telling the truth. If your reporting is sound and your information is accurate you are not likely to be sued.

3. Always obey the law. Journalists can also be sued for breaking the law to get a story. This includes trespassing, theft and lying on job applications. Being a journalist provides you with no special privileges. It wont matter if the information in your story is correct if you broke the law to attain it.

4. Know your boundaries. It is often difficult for a reporter to realize when he steps over the line and risks legal action. When pursuing a story a reporter must know when to back off. You can't be sued for being aggressive or rude, but you can get in trouble if you are told to leave private property but refuse. Never impede a person's ability to leave. Only go where there is a presumption of public access. The only exception to this is when you have clearly stated permission to be in a private area.

5. Protect yourself by having your managers approve everything. When someone sues a journalist they usually sue the station and parent company as well. If that happens the company will likely pay the legal fees. However, if the plaintiff only goes after the reporter, the station and company will likely abandon the reporter. Make sure that all stories you do are sanctioned by your employer. Having a manager approve every script protects you from being on your own. The manager will hopefully stop the reporter from making mistakes that could prompt a lawsuit. If you are sued, the primary blame will be on the manager who approved your script.