Leddy v. Narragansett Television, L.P.

OPINION

FLANDERS, Justice.

As the television cameras roll, an investigative reporter, inquiring about an issue of potential public interest, thrusts a microphone into the startled, hapless face of some speedwalking employee, who is vainly attempting to short circuit the interview. How often has this all too familiar scene of “ambush journalism” played itself out on television news shows and on other similar programs?

This case concerns a defamation action filed in response to such an investigative report that a local television station broadcast in 1992 during its nightly newscast. As part of…