Is there an implied warranty of merchantability for news?

[Usrename]

The law should protect consumers from the fraud perpetrated by NYT in the Plamegate reporting. Is there a guaranteed right that they have to misuse their reputation the way they did? I'm not talking "Nine Year Old Girl Gives Birth to Self" stuff. They knew the White House was lying through their teeth, and their excuse is: the truth would be too politcal.

The idiot consumer deserves protection from these guys. Calling Ralph Nader, where are you Ralph? I'm a big Corvair fan so you know what I think of you Ralph, but could you help me?

[emulatorloo]

1. Did the NYT admit this? Where?

OK thanks!!!!

[Usrename]

2. OK, they admit nothing. What "IS" their defense?

[Usrename]

3. Does anyone know why this kind of fraud is not actionable?

Shouldn't they at least have to give people their money back? And what about FAUX News? Why is this legal? It seems like deceptive advertising to me. Why am I wrong? Anybody?

[Burning Water]

4. I don't think so.

Presumably, the consumer can sort through differing opinions and collections of facts and come to a valid conclusion, himself. What you are advocating violates every tenet of "freedom of the press". IMO.

News IS political.

[Che_Nuevara]

5. Agreed.

They can say whatever the hell they want, and they can charge you for it as long as you're willing to pay for it.

[adwon]

6. No

Fraud requires the target to do something detrimental to himself/herself. I don't think a theory of an implied warranty would fly in this case, due the constitutional protections. Yet, I wonder what would happen if a newspaper/tv news station gave an EXPLICIT guarantee of truth.