Fla. bill that would make it easier to sue media advances

Tampa Bay Times

By Lawrence Mower

February 22, 2024

TALLAHASSEE — A group of Christian broadcasters called it “deeply flawed.”

Conservative Florida radio host and former U.S. Rep. Trey Radel said it would “destroy conservative media.”

The New York Post’s editorial board called it “utterly mad” and “insanely overreaching.”

Florida Republican-sponsored legislation that was originally intended to make it easier to sue mainstream news outlets for defamation has sparked an intense backlash from conservatives, who fear it will be turned against them.

HB 757 and SB 1780 would change the state’s defamation laws and challenge federal court rulings on free speech.

Publishers who cite an anonymous source who provides wrong information could be exposed to greater liability in a defamation lawsuit. The legislation would also create a new, speedier venue for allowing defamation cases to proceed or be tossed out.

On Wednesday, a House committee approved HB 757 on a 14-7 vote, sending it to the floor for a full vote. Lawmakers asked no questions and said nothing during debate.

Minutes later, Stephen Miller, who was a senior adviser to President Donald Trump, took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to say that conservative influencers, podcasters and alternative media “are going to get WRECKED” if the bill passes.

“If you want to go after corporate media then pass a law narrowly tailored at them,” Miller wrote.


[Read More]