MacGuire v. Harriscope Broadcasting Co.

THOMAS, Justice.

The question presented in this appeal is the application of the actual-malice rule promulgated in New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, 376 U.S. 254, 279, 84 S.Ct. 710, 726, 11 L.Ed.2d 686, 95 A.L.R.2d 1412 (1964), in connection with a motion for summary judgment by the broadcaster of the allegedly defamatory material. The actions of the plaintiffs were premised upon some six editorials broadcast by the defendants over both television and radio in July, August, September and December of 1976. (Transcripts of these editorial comments are appended as Appendices A through F of this…