What is a broadcast stations potential liability when airing an Amber Alert?
There is a very strict protocol that police agencies use to determine if an abduction has occurred. Every missing child will not necessarily activate the Amber Alert. The Michigan State Police (MSP) and local law enforcement professionals will make that determination. If you receive calls from citizens about their missing child, pleaserefer them to the MSP. Only Amber Alert activations by the MSP provide statute-based protection for broadcast stations. MAB received an opinion from libel and first amendment attorney John Ronayne. His opinion states that as long as the information comes to a station from the Michigan State Police, the announcements that the station makes are covered by statute, which protects accurate reports of a “governmental notice, announcement, (or) written.report.” (MCLA 600.2911). Important: stations will notice that the term “alleged abductor” is used. Always use the term “alleged”.
