Summary
Newsmax has settled a defamation lawsuit brought by Smartmatic, a voting technology company, over false claims made by the network regarding the company’s involvement in rigging the 2020 presidential election. The settlement was reached just as jury selection was set to begin, effectively averting a trial that could have had significant financial implications for Newsmax.
The lawsuit, initiated by Smartmatic in 2021, accused Newsmax of broadcasting false allegations that the company’s voting machines had manipulated election results to favor Joe Biden. Smartmatic claimed these false narratives, propagated by the network, severely damaged its reputation and business. In the lead-up to the trial, Delaware Superior Court Judge Eric Davis ruled that many of the statements made by Newsmax were factually false, although he also indicated that the jury would need to determine whether Newsmax acted with actual malice. The terms of the settlement remain confidential, but the resolution reflects the ongoing legal challenges faced by media outlets that reported on election fraud claims following the 2020 election.
Background of the Case
Smartmatic’s lawsuit against Newsmax was part of a broader wave of legal actions taken by voting technology companies in response to claims made by former President Trump and his allies that the election was rigged. Smartmatic has also pursued litigation against other media outlets, including Fox News, which settled a related case with Dominion Voting Systems for $787.5 million in 2023. The allegations against Newsmax centered on broadcasts that suggested Smartmatic’s technology was involved in fraudulent activities during the election, despite the company only operating in Los Angeles County during that election cycle.
Implications of the Settlement
The settlement between Newsmax and Smartmatic underscores the legal risks media companies face when reporting on contentious political issues. While the exact financial terms of the settlement have not been disclosed, it is indicative of the increasing accountability for media outlets regarding the accuracy of their reporting, especially in the context of claims that could harm reputations and businesses. The resolution of this case may also influence ongoing litigation involving other media entities, as the landscape of election-related reporting continues to evolve in the wake of the 2020 election controversies.
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Oct. 19 / Forbes / Captures the urgency surrounding the settlement just before trial, effectively conveying the stakes involved. It could benefit from more exploration of the broader implications for media accountability. “ Topline Tech billionaire Elon Musk and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., this week pushed theories about Dominion Voting Systems, the vote-counting...
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Oct. 1 / The Hollywood Reporter / Offers a concise update on Newsmax's programming changes while briefly mentioning the Smartmatic settlement. The article's focus on internal changes may dilute the significance of the legal outcome, lacking depth on implications. “ is making a major change to its primetime lineup, giving Rob Finnerty the 8 p.m. timeslot beginning Oct. 8, when he will host a new program called . Finnerty...
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Sep. 26 / Nbc News / Covers the settlement's implications while linking it to previous cases against media outlets. The clarity and straightforward reporting style make it accessible, though it lacks unique angles on the case. “ Smartmatic and Newsmax have reached a settlement in the voting technology company’s election defamation lawsuit against the right-wing news outlet shortly...
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Sep. 26 / Kcra / Summarizes the settlement's key details while highlighting Smartmatic's ongoing legal battles. The article’s clarity and focus on the implications enhance its relevance for readers interested in media law. “ WILMINGTON, Del. — A settlement has been reached in a defamation lawsuit pitting an electronic voting machine manufacturer targeted by allies of former...
Newsmax reaches settlement with Smartmatic regarding 2020 election claims
Sep. 26 / Abc News / Effectively emphasizes the settlement's significance and the implications for Newsmax amid ongoing legal scrutiny. The authoritative tone enhances credibility, though it could benefit from deeper analysis. “ On the brink of trial, the cable news channel Newsmax on Thursday reached a settlement with voting machine company Smartmatic, bringing an end to a...
Newsmax Settles Smartmatic Defamation Lawsuit Over Election Lies on Eve of Trial
Sep. 26 / The Hollywood Reporter / Reports the settlement in a concise manner while detailing the claims against Newsmax. While informative, it could explore the implications of the ruling more thoroughly for a deeper understanding. “ has settled a defamation lawsuit brought by Smartmatic over false claims the right-wing news channel aired during the 2020 presidential election. The deal...
Smartmatic, Newsmax reach settlement in 2020 election defamation case
Sep. 26 / The San Diego Union-tribune / Summarizes the settlement while placing it within the larger context of election-related litigation. The mention of previous cases adds depth, although it could have examined the implications for Newsmax more thoroughly. “ WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — A settlement has been reached in a defamation lawsuit pitting an electronic voting machine manufacturer targeted by allies of former...
Smartmatic Goes To Trial Against Newsmax Today: Here’s Where It And Dominion’s Other Lawsuits Stand
Sep. 26 / Forbes / Presents a timely overview of the trial's context, effectively linking it to other ongoing litigation. The structured reporting style aids comprehension, but it could delve more into the broader ramifications of these settlements. “ Topline Jury selection begins Thursday in voting machine company Smartmatic’s trial against right-wing network Newsmax, becoming the first trial in...
Newsmax Settles with Smartmatic Over Voting Machine Defamation Claims
Sep. 27 / Gizmodo / Captures the urgency of the settlement on the eve of trial, emphasizing the stakes involved. The mention of Smartmatic's previous lawsuits against other outlets enriches the narrative with relevant context. “ Newsmax, the Trump-happy news broadcasting network accused of spreading the former President’s addled 2020 election conspiracy theories, has agreed to settle...
Newsmax, Smartmatic settle defamation lawsuit
Sep. 27 / Axios / Captures the urgency of the settlement just before trial, effectively conveying the stakes involved. The inclusion of Smartmatic's ongoing legal battles enriches the narrative but could explore broader media accountability. “ Conservative cable network Newsmax on Thursday settled a defamation lawsuit brought by voting-machine company Smartmatic, narrowly avoiding a high-profile...
Smartmatic, Newsmax settle over false claims about 2020 election being stolen
Sep. 26 / Upi / Focuses on the settlement's details but lacks a broader analysis of the implications. The concise approach makes it easy to follow, though it could enhance its informative value with additional context. “ Sept. 26 (UPI) -- Far-right cable TV outlet Newsmax and the voting machine company Smartmatic settled a defamation lawsuit stemming from claims by Newsmax...
Newsmax Settles Defamation Case With 2020 Election Firm on Eve of Trial
Sep. 26 / The Daily Beast / Covers the settlement's announcement with a straightforward narrative, emphasizing the timing and context. While informative, it lacks unique insights that could enrich the reader's understanding of the legal landscape. “ Newsmax settled a major 2020 presidential election defamation lawsuit with Smartmatic hours after jury selection for the civil trial began on Thursday. The...
Conservative outlet Newsmax settles with Smartmatic in 2020 election defamation case
Sep. 26 / Cnbc / Covers the settlement in a concise manner, detailing the claims against Newsmax. While informative, it could have explored the implications of the ruling more thoroughly for a deeper understanding. “ News anchors work at Newsmax's booth during the second day of the 2024 Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, July 16,...
Newsmax, voting technology firm reach deal in ’20 election defamation case
Sep. 26 / Las-vegas Review Journal / Effectively highlights the settlement's timing and the nature of the claims against Newsmax. The article's straightforward presentation makes it easy to digest, though it lacks a broader analysis of implications. “ WILMINGTON, Del. — A settlement has been reached in a defamation lawsuit pitting an electronic voting machine manufacturer targeted by allies of former...
Newsmax and Smartmatic settle 2020 US election defamation lawsuit
Sep. 26 / The Guardian / Presents a concise summary of the settlement while contextualizing it within the broader narrative of defamation lawsuits against media outlets. The clarity of the writing enhances its informative value. “ Pair reach agreement days before case, filed after rightwing network aired false voter claims, was due to go to trial