New World Communications of Atlanta v. Ladner
In connection with a civil lawsuit filed after an accident at a veteran’s parade, the Atlanta FOX 5 television station broadcast a series of news reports detailing the police investigation and indictment of the plaintiff, Shane Lardner, for lying about having a Purple Heart. Ladner sued for defamation, and FOX 5 attempted to use the Georgia anti-SLAPP law to have the suit dismissed. The trial court ruled that the anti-SLAPP law was inapplicable because the news reports did not qualify as statements “made in connection with” an official proceeding and because they were “sensationalistic.” The Reporters Committee wrote an amicus brief supporting FOX 5’s petition for review to the Georgia Supreme Court, arguing that the trial court applied an unduly narrow interpretation of the anti-SLAPP statute, which should cover media reports discussing lawsuits.