Minneapolis, MN asked in Consumer Law, Communications Law and Entertainment / Sports for Minnesota

Q: Can the news media be sued for causing fear, anxiety and other mental health issues due to the way the news is written?

In speaking with others, I find that watching the news causes me anxiety and extreme fear by the way it is delivered to us consumers. There is no way to know what is being reported is true. It can be argued that the reporting of the events surrounding police shootings are fueled by the media and all of the conflicting information. Why can't the network media outlets be taken to task for their role in the deterioration of mental health all over America? There are no standards and no repercussions for their reporting and the effect of the information delivered. I have always been very interested in politics and world events but attempting to keep up has caused me to become extremely anxious and worried. I am prone to this as I have been diagnosed with depression. An estimated 17.3 million adults in the United States had at least one major depressive episode. This number represented 7.1% of all U.S. adults. With the coronavirus and the riots, that number has to be increasing.

1 Lawyer Answer
Maurice Mandel II
Maurice Mandel II
Answered
  • Consumer Law Lawyer
  • Newport Beach, CA

A: NO. The news media are subject to certain immunities for the fair reporting of events that occur. You cannot sue them for that. You would have to show that they targeted you, personally, with the news coverage.

I share your pain about the reporting of current events, but you still cannot sue them.

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