Chapter 05 True/False Self-Quiz

. Libel is not a major concern for the mass media because it is difficult to prove.

. The protections of the First Amendment apply to only trained journalists, not bloggers.

. Many states consider broadcast defamation libel rather than slander.

. A communication is defamatory if it is likely to injure the reputation of the plaintiff among upstanding members or the community.

. Private individuals who sue for libel must prove actual malice in most states.

. In order to prove identification in a libel suit, plaintiffs must show that a news story identified them clearly by name.

. A statement must be widely disseminated for a person to sue for libel.

. A statement may be false but not defamatory.

. "Actual malice" is a term used in defamation cases which means "ill will."

. A public official is defined as someone who is on the government's payroll.

. Proving truth in a libel suit means proving a news report accurate in every detail.

. A news reporter covering a trial cannot be sued for reporting false and defamatory statements made by a witness so long as the reporter's story accurately summarizes the testimony.

. Even if some newsworthy event is happening on private property, a journalist may not enter without the owner's or legal occupant's permission.

. Publicizing facts that appear in public records but are not generally known can be the basis for a publicity to private facts lawsuit.

. The First Amendment expressly protects the right to speak and to publish, but it says nothing about the right to gather information.

. The federal government and all state governments have laws that help citizens and reporters access government records.

. Bar-press guidelines are voluntary.

. Congress has enacted a federal shield law that guarantees a journalist's right to protect confidential sources or information.

Back to top