The Right of Reply is a fundamental legal mechanism that allows an individual to defend themselves against incorrect or misleading information disseminated in the media. When a newspaper, TV station, or online publication publishes facts that damage your honor, dignity, or business reputation, the law grants you the right to demand the publication of a responding opinion via the same medium. This is not just an ethical norm; it is a legally enforceable right serving information balance and the public's right to hear the other side. Exercising the right of reply is often a more effective and faster way to restore reputation than lengthy litigation. Lawyer assistance is essential to ensure the reply request is formulated correctly so the media cannot ignore it.
What does this service cover?
The right of reply service includes:
- Material Analysis: Assessing whether the client has grounds for a right of reply based on specific publication (is the information false and damaging).
- Drafting the Reply: Preparing a concise and fact-based response statement that refutes the allegations.
- Negotiation with Editorial Board: Communicating with media management to ensure the reply is published at an adequate time and place (e.g., not on the last page, but where the original article appeared).
- Complaint Preparation: If the media refuses, appealing to self-regulatory bodies (Charter of Journalistic Ethics, Communications Commission for broadcasters).
- Judicial Enforcement: Filing a lawsuit demanding mandatory publication of the reply.
Common Real-World Scenarios
The right of reply is used in cases such as:
- One-sided Reporting: A report was made without giving the accused person a chance to comment, or their comment was distorted through editing.
- Factual Error: An article cites incorrect figures or dates casting a shadow on a company's operations (e.g., "company went bankrupt" instead of "reorganization").
- Contextual Misrepresentation: A phrase spoken by a respondent is taken out of context and used for a misleading headline.
- Outdated Information: Media reported on a person's indictment but failed to cover their subsequent acquittal by the court.
Georgian Legal Framework
The right of reply is provided for by the Civil Code of Georgia and the Law on Freedom of Speech and Expression. The law obliges media to publish a correction or retraction if disseminated information does not correspond to reality. Additionally, the Law on Broadcasting and the Code of Conduct for Broadcasters clearly define the broadcaster's obligation to allocate airtime to an interested party to express a responding opinion within a reasonable timeframe.
Process: How does a specialist work?
The lawyer first checks deadlines — the request for a right of reply must be sent shortly after the information dissemination (usually 10-14 days). Then, a formal letter is drafted to the editorial office justifying which facts are false. The lawyer monitors the process to ensure the media does not alter the reply text or attach mocking commentary. The goal is a quick result without court intervention.
Why Legal.ge?
Timely response is the best way to save a reputation. On Legal.ge, you will find media law experts who know how to compel media outlets to respect your rights. Our lawyers will help ensure your voice is heard where lies about you were spread. Restore the balance with the help of professionals.
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