Rethinking Libel Law in a New Era of Journalism (2019)

The First Amendment has long provided broad protection to publishers and broadcasters against libel suits and other legal threats. But at a time when local news outlets struggle financially and small digital publishers play a larger role in providing information to local communities, is it time to broaden those protections even further? Are the threats of litigation chilling important speech? Would changing libel laws make a difference in the kind of local journalism that gets done?

Margaret Sullivan of the Washington Post, one of the nation's foremost commentators on journalism and press freedom, will discuss those issues in a conversation with media lawyer Joseph Finnerty. A panel of experienced legal practitioners and journalists will join the discussion to provide their views on how legal threats affect coverage and whether legal reform is needed.

Speakers

Cynthia S. Arato, Esq. | Partner | Shapiro Arato Bach LLP

Sandra S. Baron, Esq. | Senior Fellow | Yale Law School

David Donovan, Esq. | President & Executive Director, New York State Broadcasters Association

Joseph M. Finnerty, Esq. | Finnerty Osterreicher & Abdullah

Megan L. Meier, Esq. | Partner | Clare Locke LLP

Rex Smith | Editor | Albany Times Union

Margaret Sullivan | Media Columnist | Washington Post