RICO suit by Tilton, church against 'PrimeTime Live' fails

Article Abstract:

The US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit affirmed the lower court's dismissal in Word of Faith World Outreach Center Church v. Sawyer because the church had failed to plead a pattern of racketeering. The church and its leader Robert Tilton filed suit against ABC for Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act violations in investigating and airing a story on "PrimeTime Live." The Court rejected the church's claims that ABC engaged in a pattern of mail, wire and bank fraud in investigating a story about the church with the intent of harming the church and benefitting financially.

United States, Television journalists, Civil RICO actions

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ABC, Philip Morris settle 'spiking' case

Article Abstract:

American Broadcasting Cos. (ABC) decided in August 1995 to settle with tobacco companies in response to their $10 billion libel suit against the broadcaster for airing a story on 'Day One' that they allege charged them with nicotine spiking cigarettes. ABC agreed to make public apologies and pay the legal expenses of the tobacco companies. The legal battle had included attempts by the plaintiffs to force the network to divulge the identity of an inside informant.

Virginia, Nicotine, Tobacco industry, Media coverage, Philip Morris Inc., ABC Inc. (Burbank, California), MO

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