ABSTRACT

Potential misunderstanding resulting from the juxtaposition of pictures and words has often bred libel litigation. Most commonly, a photograph, not defamatory in itself, connects those it portrays with defamatory references contained in accompanying text.1 In television news, the accompanying “text” generally takes the form of a reporter’s voice-over. Thus, for example, libel suits have arisen where juxtaposition of video and voice-over has allegedly linked passers-by with venereal disease, an innocent neighborhood resident with prostitution, a property owner with slum-like conditions, an airline with CIA activity, a dairy store with price-fixing, and innocent third parties with accused criminals or criminal activity.2