Business Law

Some businesses are aggressive at suing the media that reports negative news about them. For example, a cigarette company sued CBS for interviewing a disgruntled former executive; an infomercial producer sued Forbes for $420 million for a negative article about infomercials; ABC paid $15 million and made on-the-air apologies to settle a suit by two tobacco companies demanding $10 billion for a report about spiking cigarettes with nicotine. It is claimed that such suits are primarily to deter the media from negative reporting. The use of the law seems to be mostly strategicto discourage the media from being critical of company practices. Is this a defensible business tactic?

The answer should abide by the following criteria:

Detail what legal principles apply and provide an explanation as to why. Explain the legal reasoning for your decision or argument.

At least a half page in length per question.