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August 2024

MediaLawLetter August 2024

PUBLICATION:
in this issue

Beware the Attacks on the First Amendment by a Trump Presidency

George Freeman

The MLRC stands ready to help in whatever way it can.

Pennsylvania Enacts Anti-SLAPP Statute

Michael Berry

The new law is the culmination of more than a decade of lobbying by free-speech advocates from across the political spectrum.

Docuseries Not Defamatory as a Matter of Law

Emmy Parsons

A Florida state court recently held that a docuseries titled Paul T. Goldman did not defame the woman on whom one of the main characters was based, holding that the series was not capable of defamatory meaning and was not “of and concerning” the plaintiff.

Analyst Report and New York Times Article About Crypto Crash Not Defamatory

Dana Green

Having failed to show that Arkham’s report was published with actual malice, the court readily found that Dfinity also failed to establish that The Times’s summary of those same allegations was published with actual malice.

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“Vanderpump Rules” Revenge Porn Lawsuit May Proceed, Judge Rules

Matt Kristoffersen

Judge Crowley reasoned that Madix did not have her boyfriend’s consent to access the contents of his phone.

First Circuit Denies Qualified Immunity in First Amendment Retaliation Case

Marc J. Randazza

The decision in Berge v. Sch. Comm. of Gloucester, (1st Cir. July 15, 2024), underscores the robustness of free speech protections and marks a rare application of an exception to qualified immunity where the public official’s acts were obviously unconstitutional.

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Ten Questions to a Media Lawyer

Michael Berry

Ballard Spahr partner on the Hulk Hogan trial, lawyering in the tropics, college ball, the best food in Philly and more.