Mr. Daniel McConnell:

On Senator Hoey's point about the chain of effects, there are implications for journalism at both local and national level. It is a multifaceted consideration because it does not just apply where one is going up against a big corporation or a wealthy individual with deep pockets. If we end up in litigation with someone with limited or no means but who feels aggrieved at being libelled or defamed, even if we win the case, we stand to lose a lot of money because the costs will be unrecoverable. That is a consideration in respect of every story that is written and given prominence. I often find in journalism that the story that trips one up is the 300-word story on page 9. They are the ones that can cause the most difficulty. If there is a spicy story or one we know could be quite combative, we take the responsibility for that. None of my reporters recklessly goes after people or recklessly looks to destroy anybody's reputation. However, if we feel there is a legitimate reason for pursuing a story, we will do so.