A 139-year-old Massachusetts newspaper forced to shut down after a $1.1 million defamation settlement with the local mayor.
At a Glance
- Everett Leader Herald to close after 139 years due to defamation lawsuit settlement
- Mayor Carlo DeMaria awarded $1.1 million in damages
- Newspaper accused of three-year campaign to fabricate damaging articles about the mayor
- Case highlights challenges facing traditional media and importance of journalistic integrity
Everett Leader Herald Falls to Defamation Lawsuit
The Everett Leader Herald, a cornerstone of Massachusetts community journalism for 139 years, is set to close its doors as part of a $1.1 million settlement in a defamation lawsuit brought by Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria.
Ouch.
The lawsuit, filed by DeMaria in 2021, alleged that the newspaper published false stories about kickback schemes and extortion, deliberately aiming to damage the mayor’s reputation. Evidence presented in the case suggested a concerted effort by the newspaper’s staff to fabricate damaging articles over a three-year period. This coordinated campaign of misinformation not only violated journalistic ethics but also eroded public trust in media institutions.
The Price of Fabricated News
The settlement requires the newspaper’s owner, publisher, and editor to pay the $1.1 million within seven days. This hefty financial blow underscores the severe consequences of publishing unsubstantiated or deliberately false information. It’s a stark reminder that freedom of the press comes with the responsibility to report truthfully and ethically.
“The evidence in this case, which was extraordinary itself, reflected a three-year-long purposeful, intentional campaign to fabricate articles accusing the mayor of crimes that the defendants knew were fabricated,” DeMaria’s attorney, Jeff Robbins, said.
The closure of the Everett Leader Herald is not just a loss for its staff but for the entire community it served. Local newspapers play a crucial role in keeping citizens informed about municipal affairs, holding local officials accountable, and fostering community engagement. The void left by its absence will likely be felt deeply by Everett residents who relied on it for local news and information.
The news comes as President-elect Donald Trump celebrates a historic $15 million settlement win with CNN after an anchor wrongly labeled him a rapist.
