§ 1447.3 Damages recoverable.

If someone sues over false and damaging statements made on TV or radio, they can collect two types of money damages. The first is actual damages, which covers real harm the person suffered, like lost income or damage to their reputation. The second is punitive damages, which is extra money meant to punish the person or station that made the false statement.

To get either type of payment, the person suing has to do two things. They must clearly state in their lawsuit what damages they are asking for, and then they must prove those damages in court with evidence. Simply claiming harm is not enough. The law requires actual proof before a court will award any money.