The conservative cable news channel Newsmax has agreed to pay $67 million to settle a defamation lawsuit from Dominion Voting Systems. This lawsuit was centered on false claims that the 2020 presidential election was rigged. The details were disclosed in a recent regulatory filing.
By settling, Newsmax avoids what could have been a highly publicized trial. The payment will be made in three parts, concluding by January 2027. A spokesperson from Dominion expressed satisfaction with the settlement.
In a statement, Newsmax emphasized the importance of presenting various viewpoints on the election disputes of 2020. They maintained that their reporting adhered to professional standards and was fair and balanced. Interestingly, there was no requirement for Newsmax to apologize or retract any statements as part of this agreement.
This lawsuit began in August 2021 when Dominion accused Newsmax of spreading harmful and false claims about their role in the 2020 election. The accusations included theories like Dominion rigging the election and making secret payments to officials.
A recent ruling by a Delaware judge confirmed that Newsmax had defamed Dominion but left it to a jury to determine if this was done with “actual malice,” a standard necessary for public figures in defamation cases.
This settlement is not unique to Newsmax. The channel previously reached an agreement to pay $40 million to Smartmatic, another voting technology firm, over similar issues. Additionally, Fox News paid a staggering $787.5 million to Dominion earlier this year to settle their own defamation lawsuit.
The fallout from the 2020 election continues to shape the media landscape, raising important questions about accountability and the impact of misinformation. According to a 2023 study by the Pew Research Center, 72% of Americans say they are worried about the spread of false information in news.
As misinformation fuels ongoing debates, the significance of responsible reporting becomes increasingly crucial. The reactions on social media reflect this concern, with many users advocating for accurate coverage to foster a well-informed public. This incident serves as a reminder of the pressing need for transparency in media, especially during impactful events like elections.
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