Wayment v. Clear Channel Broadcasting, Inc.

DURHAM, Chief Justice:

¶ 1 This case concerns a defamation claim brought by a reporter against her former employer, the owner of a local television station, regarding statements allegedly made about the reasons for her departure from the company. In reviewing the order of the district court, which granted summary judgment to the employer, we must decide whether the reporter qualifies as a “public figure,” entitling her employer to heightened First Amendment protection with regard to the allegedly defamatory statements about her. We must also determine whether the reporter submitted sufficient…