Article

2014-04-17 -Land of the Free

Court Declares That, Yes, Bloggers Are Media

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Posted by DarthVader 2014-04-17 16:12|| || Front Page|| [2 views ] Top

#1 Well, yes. But it's not all bloggers:

In employing the word blog, we consider a site operated by a single individual or a small group that has primarily an informational purpose, most commonly in an area of special interest, knowledge or expertise of the blogger, and which usually provides for public impact or feedback. In that sense, it appears clear that many blogs and bloggers will fall within the broad reach of media, and, if accused of defamatory statements, will qualify as a media defendant for purposes of Floridas defamation law [emphasis added] as discussed above.

There are many outstanding blogs on particular topics, managed by persons of exceptional expertise, to whom we look for the most immediate information on recent developments and on whom we rely for informed explanations of the meaning of these developments. Other blogs run the gamut of quality of expertise, explanation and even- handed treatment of their subjects. We are not prepared to say that all blogs and all bloggers would qualify for the protection of section 770.01 [emphasis added], Florida Statutes, but we conclude that VanVoorhiss blog, at issue here, is within the ambit of the statutes protection as an alternative medium of news and public comment.

As emphasized, it applied in this case to a specific area of Florida law. But it does establish a precedence.

And note this is only a Florida court decision.

Posted by Pappy 2014-04-17 17:01|| 2014-04-17 17:01|| Front Page Top

#2 Senator Schumer will double down twice as hard to make sure this intelligence doesn't spread. Only party qualified ~~mouthpieces~~ are to be reserved such protections.

Posted by Procopius2k 2014-04-17 17:16|| 2014-04-17 17:16|| Front Page Top

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