West Virginia § 55-7-14 - 55-7-14. Liability of visual or sound broadcasting stations for defamatory statements.
Full text of West Virginia West Virginia Code § 55-7-14 — 55-7-14. Liability of visual or sound broadcasting stations for defamatory statements., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 55-7-14. 55-7-14. Liability of visual or sound broadcasting stations for defamatory statements.
The owner, licensee or operator of a visual or sound radio broadcasting station or network of stations, and the agents or employees of any such owner, licensee or operator, shall not be liable for any damages for any defamatory statement published or uttered in or as a part of a visual or sound radio broadcast, by one other than such owner, licensee or operator, or agent or employee thereof, unless it shall be alleged and proved by the complaining party, that such owner, licensee, operator or such agent or employee, has failed to exercise due care to prevent the publication or utterance of such statement in such broadcast.
In no event, however, shall any owner, licensee or operator or the agents or employees of any such owner, licensee or operator of such a station or network of stations be held liable for any damages for any defamatory statement uttered over the facilities of such station or network by any legally qualified candidate for public office.
Source: official West Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About West Virginia § 55-7-14
What does West Virginia Code § 55-7-14 cover?
Section 55-7-14 ("55-7-14. Liability of visual or sound broadcasting stations for defamatory statements.") is part of the West Virginia Code, the codified statutory law of West Virginia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite West Virginia § 55-7-14?
A common citation format is "West Virginia Code § 55-7-14" (West Virginia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of West Virginia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the West Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed West Virginia attorney.
How does West Virginia § 55-7-14 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in West Virginia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in West Virginia.