[Henrietta]

"We know from successful slander suits that indeed it is illegal for the media to lie."

No, media is liable for defamation if it defames someone. It's not just lying that is actionable; it's lying about a particular person in a way calculated to lower the esteem of that person in the community at large. Lying is not actionable per se.

[discostu]

Correct, as with any kind of suit there needs to be proof of harm.

The problem with FR is any time you over simplify something you'll get called on it ;)