What is the libel defense of fair comment?

The libel defense of fair comment is a protection offered by the state of Washington media law. It is a defense to a libel claim which allows a media professional or individual to comment on matters of public interest, such as political policy or public figures, as long as their comments are made in good faith and done without malice. It provides a level of protection for news reporters, editors, and publishers, as well as private citizens, to express their opinion on matters of public interest. The fair comment defense can be applied if the allegedly defamatory statement is an expression of opinion and opinion only, rather than a false statement of fact. If a statement is found to be an opinion and is based on true and accurate facts, there is no libel. For example, if a newspaper editor writes an article about a public figure and makes a negative comment about them, the editor can use the fair comment defense as long as the facts that the editor based their opinion on are accurate. The fair comment defense does not always apply. If the opinion is found to have been made with malice, then the defense cannot be used. Additionally, if the opinion is based on false facts or data, then the defense cannot be used and the individual or media source can be held liable for libel. For example, if a newspaper editor makes a negative comment about a public figure and bases their opinion on false facts, then they may be liable for libel.

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What is the libel defense of fair comment?

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