Truth is the best defense against libel, but knowing it and proving it are two things. Be certain you can prove what you publish. You will not be guilty of libel if your false report is privileged. It can be privileged if it was a full, fair and accurate report from a judicial, legislative or other public proceeding or from a public record, and if it was done without malice. If you repeat a libelous statement, you can be held liable, even though it is attributed.
Reporters enjoy great protection when they cover public officials.
The same standards apply to public figures. These are prominent private citizens, some celebrities or those who have thrust themselves into a public controversy. However, private citizens enjoy a different standard than public officials or public figures. They must prove only negligence or carelessness to successfully sue for libel. Libel usually results from carelessness, exaggerated writing, statements of officials made outside privileged situations, inadequate verification or failure by the reporter to talk with the subject of the defamation.