Judge Rules Anti-SLAPP Law Doesn't Apply to the Media

After a Georgia state-court judge ruled that the state's law protecting speech related to government proceedings doesn't protect a TV station from a defamation lawsuit, many in the media bar are concerned that his ruling, if upheld, could threaten the freedom of press, The Daily Report's Kathleen Baydala Joyner reports. The TV station reported that the plaintiff faked having a Purple Heart to get a free military award license plate. A petition for certiorari is pending with the Georgia Supreme Court on whether the anti-SLAPP statute applies to the case.