CNN on Trial for Defamation as Network Execs Forced to Take the Stand

CNN is due to go to trial on Monday after being accused of defaming a military contractor.

Why It Matters

There has been a rise in defamation cases involving news networks in the United States. In April 2024, Fox News settled a lawsuit for $787 million after broadcasting false claims that voting machines were rigged in the 2020 election.

In December, Donald Trump settled his lawsuit against ABC News for $15 million after the station had broadcast claims that Trump had raped, rather than sexually assaulted, E. Jean Carroll. Carroll had sued Trump for defamation for $88.3 for sexual assault and defamation.

Media organizations will keenly watch the CNN case to assess the limits of the First Amendment's free speech protections.