What must be true for a report to qualify under the fair and accurate reporting defence?

For a report to qualify under the fair and accurate reporting defense, it must be published contemporaneously. This means that the report should be produced and distributed at or around the same time as the event being reported on, ensuring that the information is timely and reflects the current state of affairs. This requirement helps to establish that the reporting is relevant and serves the public interest, as it provides immediate access to information about significant events.

Publishing contemporaneously protects the journalist or publisher by demonstrating that the information was captured as it unfolded, which is vital for accuracy and credibility. Additionally, this principle supports the idea that the public has a right to be informed about events as they occur, thereby maintaining a democracy that relies on informed citizenry. Other factors, such as the inclusion of opinions or the presence of errors, do not align with the fundamental requirement of contemporaneity that bolsters the defense of fair and accurate reporting.