The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association is disappointed with the verdict that was handed down Thursday by the jury for the Texas Beef Group, et al., vs. Oprah Winfrey, et al., case in Amarillo, Texas. The jury found that technically, this show was not directly aimed at the plaintiffs, so the real issue in this case–responsible speech–could not be addressed by the jury. The jury never considered whether harmful, false statements about the beef industry were made.
Yet by way of this trial and all the scientific testimony that was involved in it, good news has surfaced for the American consumer: America has the safest beef in the world.
We believe the national discussion on the issue of responsible speech has added to the awareness that the news media have an enormous ability to affect the livelihoods of American farmers and cattlemen. If this results in more responsible and accurate information for consumers, then the trial has been good for all Americans.
