Canwest Global Communications Corporation has dropped its libel suit against The Tyee.
On December 21, 2007, The Tyee published an opinion column by Rafe Mair about the two cartoonists working for the Vancouver Province, which is owned by Canwest. The story contained a factual error. Once that error became apparent, the Tyee first amended and then pulled the article, and published corrections and apologies. The Tyee published the first correction and apology on Dec. 27 and two more, by Tyee editor David Beers and Mair, on Jan. 17.
The Tyee’s tracking of visitor traffic showed that many times more readers saw the apologies than read the original article.
A subsequent defamation suit has now been settled, before any examination for discovery or a trial. The settlement consisted of the Tyee paying legal costs to date and a modest charitable contribution in the name of the Pacific Newspaper Group.
“We’re glad to have the suit behind us,” said Beers. “It frees us to focus on producing the best journalism possible during a very busy political season.”
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G West
3 years ago
That's good news David
On the other hand, you shouldn't have paid Canwest's legal fees - the suit was crap from the beginning...
Grumpy
3 years ago
I agree
Canwest should not be allowed to get away from libel chill. Me thinks Canwest's precarious position in the markets may had something to do for a quick settlement. Sadly the bully always seems to win in BC.
Van Isle
3 years ago
Glad to hear that the
Glad to hear that the bully-boys backed down; but they sure took their time in doing it. Guess their legal team had to do something to justify their existance. I was told by a ex-lawyer last winter that lawyers are always looking for reasons to have legal suits, so they can be paid. The longer they can draw out legal action the better for them.