As a media defence lawyer, I spend a lot of my time advising clients who wish to publish contentious material – typically articles, books or podcasts that contain damaging allegations. The client generally believes the allegations are true or at least supported by sufficient evidence to make publication in the public interest, both of which are defences to libel.
Of all the advice I give pre-publication, it is explaining the costs of defending a libel claim that is the most sobering for the media. Regardless of how rigorously a story has been investigated or its importance to public debate, understanding how ruinously expensive fighting media litigation is can make the most battle-hardened journalist pause for thought...
[Short citation of 8% of the original article]