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.
- 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 Oprahâs âBig Giveâ 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 officialâs 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 newspaperâs 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 OâReilly against defamation suit brought by FBI agent who allegedly refused to secretly record Muslim terrorism suspect during pre-9/11 investigation.
July 16, 2024
Mentions
Paul Watler Discusses Campus Protests: Rights, Rules & The First Amendment on Perspectives Matter Program
Paul C. Watler recently appeared on âPerspectives Matter: A McCuistion Program,â hosted by Jim Falk, alongside fellow guest Jeremi Suri, Ph.D., a history professor at the University of Texas. During the program they discussed free speech and university neutrality.
June 6, 2024
Spotlight
Chambers and Partners Releases 2024 USA Guide Featuring 67 Jackson Walker Attorneys and 23 Ranked Departments
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has selected 67 attorneys and 23 departments for inclusion in the 2024 edition of the Global and USA guides. Attorneys were ranked across 27 departments, with 3 attorneys listed among multiple areas, 8 ranked nationwide in their respective areas, and 15 recognized for the first time.
May 29, 2024
Speaking Engagements
Demi Williams Joins NIL Panel Discussion Presented by American Advertising Federation Fort Worth
Jackson Walker senior counsel Demi Williams will be a panelist at a discussion hosted by the American Advertising Federation (AAF) Fort Worth on Thursday, May 30.
May 10, 2024
Speaking Engagements
Emily Carlton Moderates Panel Discussion at Dallas Bar Associationâs Business Litigation Section CLE Program
On Tuesday, May 14, Jackson Walker attorney Emily Carlton will serve as the moderator for a panel discussion hosted by the Dallas Bar Associationâs Business Litigation Section.
April 11, 2024
Insights
Texas Appellate Court Rejects LLC Plaintiff’s Bid for Statewide Venue in Defamation Case | Media Law Resource Center
In this article published by the Media Law Resource Center, Marc Fuller provides an in-depth analysis of a recent decision by the Texas Court of Appeals that clarifies the state’s venue statute for libel and slander claims. The court rejected a broad interpretation that would have allowed limited liability companies, partnerships, and other business entities to file lawsuits in virtually any jurisdiction within the state. Fuller’s insights underscore the significance of this ruling in shaping the legal landscape for defamation cases in Texas.
April 3, 2024
Attorney News
Marc Fuller Appointed to Law360’s 2024 Editorial Advisory Board
Marc Fuller has been appointed to Law360’s 2024 Editorial Advisory Boards in the Media & Entertainment sector.
February 5, 2024
Mentions
Paul Watler Featured in âThe Texas Lawbookâ Discussing the Fifth Circuit Decision on Journalist’s First Amendment Lawsuit
Jackson Walker partner Paul C. Watler shared insight with The Texas Lawbook on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit’s 9-7 decision that law enforcement officers in Laredo, Texas, who arrested citizen-journalist Priscilla Villarreal in 2017, cannot be sued for violating her First Amendment rights.
October 13, 2023
Mentions
Paul Watler Featured in ‘ABA Journal’ Discussing Rise of Costly Libel Cases
As Gannett Co., the parent company of leading national newspaper USA Today, faces off against tax services provider Ryan LLC in a defamation and fraud lawsuit, Paul Watler shared insight with the ABA Journal on the increase of libel cases and the changing legal landscape.
