A Terreboone Parish judge has dismissed a suit filed by partial LaTerr Broadcasting owner Michael Starr over comments made in the weekly newspaper "Tri parish Times" over what he called as defamation in character that had damaged his business reputation.
The articles involved the some what public in fighting that involved the sale of KTIB to out of state interests where one of the parties was not agreeing to sell and partner John Treen's standing in ownership.
The lawsuit was struck down by the Judge as Starr is considered a "public figure" and that the articles didn't clearly show false or damaging information that would hurt him.
Judge George Larke Jr. said that Starr " A radio station owner is just like a newspaper publisher and is considered a public figure" and not a private business owner as Starr's lawyers tried to push.
For the complete article:
http://houmatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060329/NEWS/603290306/1026Registration/ Log in may be needed to view the article
BTW, KTIB has until May 12th to return to the air or face the possibility of cancelation of the license due to the 1 year off the air rule?
Also the Cajun radio sale and LMA according to the latest application by Starr with the FCC (dated November 2nd,2005) has been cancelled. So Smashedcd, if you hear religious, it probably ain't KTIB....
RFLA
