The Supreme Court of Canada has recognized that rules about defamation (notably the right of responsible reporting of matters of public interest) apply to anyone reporting, not just accredited journalists. (slaw.ca)
That's what responsible reporting needs to tell people, on page 1 front page news, this isn't Madonna's hair we're talking about. (realclimate.org)
«These [narrative grades] encourage more responsible report - writing that is about the experience of the school as well. (schoolsweek.co.uk)