Newsmax Settles $67 Million Defamation Case: What It Means for 2020 Election Coverage

Newsmax has agreed to pay $67 million to settle a defamation lawsuit from Dominion Voting Systems. This case is one of the last major legal battles regarding false claims about the 2020 presidential election.

Dominion, based in Denver, previously settled a similar lawsuit for $787 million with Fox News. They took action against Newsmax after the network aired false conspiracy theories. Notably, former Trump lawyer Sidney Powell and My Pillow’s Mike Lindell were featured on Newsmax. They accused Dominion of having ties to foreign dictators and claimed its voting machines could be easily hacked.

This lawsuit was filed in 2020, soon after the election. The trial was set to begin in October, but now that won’t happen due to the settlement.

Newsmax announced the settlement in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. They paid $27 million upfront, with the remaining balance due by January 2027. Specifics about the payment terms were not disclosed.

Expert opinions suggest that the settlements could signal a shift in how news organizations handle accountability for misinformation. As misinformation proliferates, the legal landscape may become tougher for media outlets spreading false claims.

Interestingly, recent surveys show that misinformation remains a major concern for American voters. According to a 2022 study by the Pew Research Center, 58% of Americans believe misinformation significantly undermines democracy. This reflects a growing demand for more responsible reporting.

This settlement follows a broader trend where media outlets are increasingly held accountable for their coverage. As we move forward, the expectation for accuracy and truth in journalism is likely to intensify.

For more details, check out the SEC filing here.

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