The Arizona Broadcasters Association has joined an Amicus Brief in the Arizona Supreme Court that could have profound consequences for all local media operating in our state.

At the center of the case is an Arizona radio talk show host who has been sued by a former candidate for US Senate for making on-air remarks that the candidate feels were defamatory to him.

If this multi-million-dollar defamation claim is allowed to proceed, it could set a dangerous precedent that public figures can silence the media or political opponents by bringing meritless claims and seeking huge damage awards for speech they do not like. Arguments in the case are scheduled for April.

Supporting the cause is Ballard Spahr’s David Bodney with support from the First Amendment Clinic at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University. 

We’ll keep you updated.