we are all familiar with crimestopers and countys most wanted clips ran on our local news cast..A picture of me hit the screen with a small overview of a charge that i have never in my life been in trouble for. This has been total devistaton to my family and to me and it has caused major problems.I was not arrested and there isnt even a warrant filed on this particular matter.I feel like it is a media mistake because they should check it out before they air it.
2006-09-19 02:35:02 · 12 answers · asked by EZ thtewPID 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
The most that you can hope for is a retraction and a public apology.
2006-09-19 02:43:15 · answer #1 · answered by hott.dawg™ 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
We need a bit more information.On the facts you've outlined, in most states there would be a defamation claim. However, there are some defenses. First, how did your name/picture get chosen?
If the local police gave them your picture (say, you'd been arrested before and had the same name as the actual suspect) - a defense called a fair report of a governmental proceeding or action might apply, depending on whether the law in your state recognizes that defense.
If, on the other hand, in the unlikely event that the local media simply made it up, or knew you weren't the suspect and used your picture anyway, you'd have a claim.
These defenses vary tremendously by state...
Actual economic damage, by the way, is *not* the issue.
2006-09-19 06:00:29 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The media is totally out of control. They are so anxious to get the story first that they don't take the time anymore to double check their information. They are much more concerned about ratings than the truth.
Get yourself a really good lawyer and sue them for all they are worth. Keep a daily log of anything that happens regarding their mistake - phone calls you get, comments at work, fights you have with your wife or kids, sleepless nights, heartburn, etc. It will help prove in court the damage that they did to your life. Someone needs to reign the media back in and remind them that they are supposed to be reporting the news accurately and without bias.
2006-09-19 02:42:45 · answer #3 · answered by FozzieBear 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First, contact the station and the producers of the show to alert them of this mistake. Have them air an apology and retratc their first statement.
As for suing goes, if you endeared any financial setbacks (like lost a job offer/got fired, lost clients, lost a loan offer, etc) then you can speak to a lawyer and weight in your options. A show like crime stoppers is responsible for their content and if theirt neglection caused you any harm the you can sue for 'defimation of character'
It does not matter if your a celebrity or a political figure. Defamation of character suits can be filed by average joe's, like you and me. Speak to a lawyer that speaclizes in this.
2006-09-19 02:45:42 · answer #4 · answered by The First 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Absolutely. Talk to a lawyer. There have been many cases in which newspapers and TV stations were sued for running things before checking them, and they had to pay up for it.
Also, talk to the TV station. They should at least run an apology and correct themslves.
2006-09-19 02:43:13 · answer #5 · answered by brand_new_monkey 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You could try to sue but you'd have a very hard time proving that they actually caused defamation. I'm assuming you're not a public figure so this would have to impact your job in some definite way for them to award you damages. Otherwise they would probably be required to print a retraction and apology.
2006-09-19 02:43:21 · answer #6 · answered by Kris B 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you can demonstrate an economic loss in court then they would be liable unless there is any truth to their statements or any evidence which would suggest that the media received info from police that was reasonably credible. If they got info from the police then perhaps you may sue them instead.
2006-09-19 03:25:33 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Perhaps. You may have a libel/defamation claim.
You should call an attorney in your state you specializes in media and/or tort law.
2006-09-19 11:54:28 · answer #8 · answered by Lieberman 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Courts have ruled that the media is allowed to lie. Just look up FOX News's case.
2006-09-19 02:43:02 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is called libel, or defamation. Check with a lawyer.
2006-09-19 02:39:11 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋