Law - Defamation

1) Defamation is a statement that is made that tends to damage a person's reputation in the eyes of others. Causing them to be shunned or avoided or cause them financial loss. The statement can merely be a suggestion or implication and journalists have to pay careful attention to this law - not doing so could be very costly. There are two forms of defamation, these are Libel (the written version) and Slander (the spoken version). Radio news is classed as Libel, not Slander.

2) Libel is the written defamation. For example, if the publication is in a permanent form such as in a book, magazine or film, then the defamation is libel. In libel claims, the claimant does not have to prove that he/she has suffered loss or damage as a result of the publication. 

Slander is the spoken defamation. For example, if the publication is in a transient form such as speech, then the defamation is slander. In slander claims, the claimant must prove actual damage.

Fair Comment is when it's an opinion or is not intended to be malicious. If a defendant can prove that the defamatory statement is not a statement of fact and an expression of opinion, he/she can rely on the defence of fair comment. The fair comment must be factual and doesn't have to be reasonable but signifies the absence of malice.

Privilege has two forms; absolute and qualified. Qualified privilege is a statement taken from a group of 'high-up' people such as police or even press releases. Absolute privilege is a statement which is taken from court.

Public Interest is anything affecting the rights, health, or finances of the public at large. If the person making the claim or statement believes it is Public Interest, they can use this as a defence to defamation.

4) http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2013/sep/12/kate-mccann-portugal-libel-case