When reporting on public figures, the media can be as negligent as can be and even completely reckless without incurring liability for defamation. It is only liable if it actually knew what it was reporting was false.
I’m sure that these media outlets dearly wanted what they were reporting to be true. They were, however, both negligent and reckless....which doesn’t get you a defamation suit in this case.
They really have been pushing the boundary's of the rights we all share. Not exactly sure how to slow this all down but yes, it is way out of hand.
The media is getting so out of hand and pushing the boundaries of defamation. Some high level law people are suggesting that NYT v Sullivan is ripe to be revisited by SCOTUS. It is possible that one of the Covinton kids suits may do just that.