NEW YORK (AP) — CNN is on trial in Florida, accused of defamation by a Navy veteran who was involved in rescuing endangered Afghans from the country as the US pulled out in 2021. The trial marks a significant challenge for the embattled media outlet, and comes as news organizations are increasingly under attack and their reputation takes a hit.
Zachary Young, a Navy veteran who helped four separate organizations get dozens of people out of Afghanistan, is suing CNN for damaging his business and personal reputation when they aired a segment that used him as an example of a “black market” for evacuations. The “black market” label, he claims, suggested that he participated in criminal or illegal activities.
CNN claims the story was inaccurate and didn’t intend to defame Young. The network released an on-air statement after Young complained about the segment, acknowledging that they erred and apologized for any confusion.
Despite CNN’s defense, the case highlights the increasingly risky nature of defamtion litigation for media organizations. In fact, defamation trials are rare in the US because of strong constitutional protections for the press, which make proving libel difficult. However, strong evidence of the media’s actual malice is required to overcome these protections, making it increasingly difficult for defamation lawsuits to proceed.
This particular case will shed light on the inner workings of CNN, which may lead to unflattering revelations about the network’s reporting and internal discussions. While this may damage the network’s public image, even if CNN wins the case.
