Media Litigation

Media Litigation Counsel for Defamation, First Amendment and Content-Based Disputes

When media, broadcast, publishing, digital content, and entertainment clients are facing litigation or threatened with litigation, we’re the counsel media entities can trust, because we have a deep understanding of the trending legal issues and the rapid pace of the industry. We’ve built decades of experience on representing media organizations, broadcasters, publishers, production companies, digital platforms, creators, and content businesses in disputes involving defamation, libel, false light, privacy, right of publicity, copyright, trademark, access to public records and proceedings, subpoenas, retraction demands, newsroom issues, and other content-based claims.

Our attorneys defend clients in trial and appellate courts and regularly assist with disputes that involve First Amendment protections, publication risk, public concern reporting, online speech, investigative journalism, broadcast content, digital media, and emerging technologies. We also support media organizations and industry groups through amicus curiae advocacy in matters involving significant First Amendment and media law principles. As content is published and challenged across more platforms, our litigation work increasingly intersects with issues involving social media, artificial intelligence (AI)-generated content, synthetic media, misinformation, platform accountability, copyright and fair use, privacy, and reputation management.

Butzel brings a strong record of success in media litigation and dispute resolution. Our experience includes obtaining dismissals of defamation, false light, privacy, and related claims; defending broadcasters, newspapers, cable news organizations, publishers, and digital media companies; protecting access to public records, courtrooms, and public proceedings; preserving important First Amendment standards through appellate and amicus work; and representing clients in copyright, trademark, and entertainment-related disputes. This experience allows us to help clients respond quickly, protect their rights, manage risk, and defend the content and reporting that matter to their audiences.

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Obtained dismissal, affirmed on appeal; Gary v. E!, No. 304720 (Mich. App. Aug. 23, 2012) (unpublished)

Obtained dismissal of defamation lawsuit prior to start of discovery; Johnson v. Herald-Palladium

Represented client in libel/privacy case involving prominent club owner; Hamilton v. Detroit News, 2008 Mich. App. LEXIS 1729 (Mich. App. Aug. 26, 2008) (unpublished)

Represented client in defamation case brought by county sheriff; Fewins v. Grand Traverse Record Eagle, Case No. 08-8223-NO (Benzie County Circuit Court)

Represented client in libel lawsuit by former Detroit Tigers All-Star; Cecil Fielder v. Greater Media, Inc., No. 267495 (Mich. App. July 25, 2006) (unpublished)

Represented newspaper in defending defamation and privacy suit, successfully obtained summary judgment in favor of defendant; Tomkiewicz v. Detroit News, 246 Mich. App. 662 (2001)

Represented client in libel claim by business owner; Cross v. Detroit News, 29 Media L. Rep. (BNA) 2439 (Mich. App. 2001)

Represented client in libel/other torts matter involving “Call for Action” investigation; American Transmission v. Channel 7 of Detroit, 239 Mich. App. 695; 609 N.W.2d 607; 28 Media L. Rep. (BNA) 1823 (2000)

Represented client in libel claim brought by Dr. Jack Kevorkian; Kevorkian v. American Medical Association, 237 Mich. App. 1, 602 N.W.2d 233; 28 Media L. Rep. (BNA) 1532 (1999)

Represented client in invasion of privacy claim by stripper who appeared on Jenny Jones show; Fronning v. Jenny Jones Show, 1996 U.S. App. LEXIS 5725 (6th Cir. 1996)

Represented newspaper in defending defamation suit, successfully obtained summary judgment; Northland Wheels Skating Center, Inc. v. Detroit News et al., 213 Mich. App. 317 (1995)

Represented newspaper in defending defamation suit, successfully obtained summary judgment; Garvelink v. Detroit News, 206 Mich. App. 604 (1994)

Represented client in libel case involving reporting on mafia connections to Pine Knob; Locricchio v. Evening News Ass’n, 438 Mich. 84; 476 N.W.2d 112 (1991); cert. denied, 503 U.S. 907 (1992)