Media Litigation
Jackson Walker’s Media group is one of the most prominent in the country, providing a full range of services to its clients, including comprehensive litigation services. The Firm’s Media practice has more than 114 years of uninterrupted service to our media clients. It began in 1905 with the representation of the old Dallas Times Herald and has grown into a practice that is now national in scope.
The practice of the Media group involves providing counsel regarding:
- Pre-publication review of news articles, broadcasts and advertisements
- Response(s) to subpoenas, including protection of confidential sources, notes and outtakes
- Defense of libel, obscenity, invasion of privacy and intentional infliction of emotional distress cases
The Firm regularly handles matters from the inception of an idea for a publication through discovery, trial, and any appeals.
Jackson Walker’s media clients include local and regional broadcasters and news organizations, as well as national television networks, news organizations, publishers, production companies, syndicators, and media conglomerates.
- Villarreal v. Alaniz et al., Cause No. 20-40359, U.S. Supreme Court (2024). Represented a coalition of 21 media organizations as amici curiae in support of a citizen journalist’s petition for writ of certiorari in the U.S. Supreme Court after her arrest for reporting on the death of a Border Patrol employee based on a law intended to punish bid-rigging. The Supreme Court granted the petition, vacated the Fifth Circuit’s judgment, and remanded the case for further consideration in light of Gonzalez v. Trevino, 602 U. S. ___ (2024) (per curiam).
- Riccio v. Phillip McGraw, et al., Cause No. BC400362, Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles (2009). Anti-SLAPP special motion to strike granted in favor of McGraw in defamation suit arising out of Dr. Phil Show television program.
- Knight v. Chicago Tribune Co. et al., 895 N.E.2d 1007, Ill. App. Ct. (2008). Affirming jury verdict in favor of newspaper on suit for libel arising out of investigative report into role of prosecutorial misconduct in Illinois death sentences.
- Darlene Tracy v. Oprah Winfrey, The Oprah Winfrey Show, Harpo Productions, Inc. and ABC Television, 2008 WL 2357943, 1st Cir. (slip op.) Affirming Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(b)(6) dismissal of copyright infringement, fraud, and misappropriation of trade secrets claims relating to Oprah’s “Big Give” program.
- Waddell v. FOX Entertainment Group, et al., Civil Action No. 3:06-cv-2387-M, N.D.Tex (2008). Summary judgment granted in favor of FOX News against chiropractor subject of investigative report into misuse of government loan program designed to benefit businesses affected by 9/11 attacks.
- Stephens v. Dolcefino, Cause No. 1999-43183, 215th District Court of Harris County, Texas (2007). Jury verdict for television station on claims under Texas wiretap statute and for alleged invasion of privacy stemming from investigation into city official’s work habits.
- Nationwide Bi-Weekly Admin., Inc. v. Belo Corp., 512 F.3d 137, 5th Cir. (2007). Affirming, in case of first impression, dismissal of libel action against newspaper on basis that single publication rule applied to article published on newspaper’s website and statute of limitations was not tolled under theory of continuous publication.
- Abdel-Hafiz v. ABC, Inc., et al., 240 S.W.3d 492, Tex. App.-Fort Worth (2007, pet. denied). Affirming summary judgment entered in favor of ABC News, Brian Ross, and Charles Gibson against defamation suit brought by FBI agent who allegedly refused to secretly record Muslim terrorism suspect during pre-9/11 investigation.
- FOX Entertainment Group, Inc., et al. v. Abdel-Hafiz, 240 S.W.3d 524, Tex. App.-Fort Worth (2007, pet. denied). Reversing trial court and rendering summary judgment for FOX News and Bill O’Reilly against defamation suit brought by FBI agent who allegedly refused to secretly record Muslim terrorism suspect during pre-9/11 investigation.
August 19, 2025
Speaking Engagements
Emilio Nicolas to Present at the 35th Annual Entertainment Law Institute
Jackson Walker partner Emilio B. Nicolas will be a featured speaker at the 35th Annual Entertainment Law Institute (ELI), an event co-sponsored by The University of Texas School of Law and the Entertainment and Sports Law Section of the State Bar of Texas.
July 11, 2025
Attorney News
Stacy Allen Presented Distinguished Service Award at Texas Association of Broadcasters’ Annual Gala
The Texas Association of Broadcasters (TAB) honored Jackson Walker partner Stacy Allen with the Distinguished Service Award during its Annual Awards Gala. This event brought together radio and television professionals from across Texas and the United States to celebrate the outstanding achievements of broadcast leaders and stations.
June 5, 2025
Spotlight
Chambers and Partners Releases 2025 USA Guide Featuring 79 Jackson Walker Attorneys and 28 Ranked Departments
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has selected 79 attorneys and 28 departments for inclusion in the 2025 edition of the Global and USA guides. Attorneys were ranked across 29 departments, with 4 attorneys listed among multiple areas, 9 ranked nationwide in their respective areas, and 12 recognized for the first time.
January 29, 2025
Mentions
Emilio Nicolas Discusses Legal Standards for Copyright Infringement in the M. Night Shyamalan Case
In a recent article published by Asia IP, Jackson Walker partner Emilio B. Nicolas provided an in-depth analysis of the legal standards for copyright infringement, focusing on a high-profile trial involving acclaimed filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan and the Apple TV+ series “Servant”.
September 27, 2024
Insights
Paris Olympics: Elite Competition, Extraordinary Athletes Turn Cynicism into Celebration | The Texas Lawbook
In this article featured in The Texas Lawbook, Bob Latham reflects on the transformative power of the Olympic Games, having witnessed it firsthand in Paris 2024, his fifth Games. Amid initial skepticism from Parisians and logistical challenges, the city’s unique energy and unity quickly took hold.
September 17, 2024
Speaking Engagements
Demi Williams Joins NIL Panel Discussion at Dallas Bar Association CLE
On Wednesday, August 28, Jackson Walker senior counsel Demi Williams participated in a panel discussion entitled “Navigating NIL: Legal Implications for the Evolution of the Student Athlete,” hosted by the Entertainment, Art & Sports Law Section of the Dallas Bar Association as part of their continuing legal education (CLE) program.
