Defamation and the media

A chara, – As the editorial "Radical review of Defamation Act is needed" admits it does indeed sound like "special pleading" when media outlets look for changes to our defamation laws (February 17th).

Media outlets have a huge amount of power and that they should have to be very sure of their facts indeed before they use that power in a manner that will damage a person’s reputation – often in a manner that no apology and no monetary damages can restore – is not “undermining one of the key pillars of a democratic society”; rather it is holding that pillar to account.

The claim that the figures awarded by the courts “bear no relation to real pain and suffering” is suggestive of a lack of understanding of the real damage false allegations published by the national media can cause to an individual.

As to the claim that the cost of legal bills and settlements are something that our financially struggling media outlets “can ill-afford”, all the more reason for them to be more careful in the future to avoid defaming anyone. – Is mise,

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Rev PATRICK G BURKE,

Castlecomer,

Co Kilkenny.