Dismissal of privacy suit over story on runaway and her puppy upheld

Article Abstract:

The Alabama Supreme Court ruled in Cooley v. WALA-TV, Inc. that a television station did not violate the privacy of a teenage runaway and her family in broadcasting a story about her and the killing of her dog because it was a matter of great public interest. The family argued that the station disclosed private facts regarding the fact that she was a runaway and was placed in a juvenile detention center. The trial court and the Supreme Court both found that the story was truthful and that the public was interested in the dog's safety and, by extension, the safety of the dog's master.

Alabama

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Different results in two suits over TV crews on police raids

Article Abstract:

Suits against television stations and police for allowing cameras into homes during searches have prompted both TV station settlements and verdicts favoring TV stations. In Parker v. Multi-Media KSDK, Inc., a US district court found that the police violated the plaintiffs' civil rights in allowing taping but the TV station did not violate their civil rights. KAAL-TV in Austin, MN chose to settle an invasion of privacy and trespass suit based on similar coverage of a police raid.

United States, Searches and seizures, Police, Police officers, Media coverage, Minnesota

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Privacy claim over televised rescue reinstated

Article Abstract:

The California Supreme Court ruled in Shulman v. Group W. Productions that two auto accident victims could sue a news service for privacy invasion. Footage of the victims at the accident site and being transported to the hospital was televised. The court agreed the victims did not have a right of privacy at the accident site, but stated they did have such rights while being taken to the hospital.

California

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