ABSTRACT
Of the many troubling issues facing journalists in the 1980s, none is more complicated and potentially damaging to their First Amendment rights than libel. There are indications that the number of lawsuits against media organizations has been increasing at an alarming rate in recent years. The possibility that a single successful lawsuit will put a newspaper or broadcasting station out of business has never been greater. Even meritless suits brought to harass journalists can be costly to defend. The expense and commitment required to fight a libel suit can make even the most courageous editor or news director think more carefully about doing the next controversial story.
