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How the rich and powerful try to intimidate the press

How to restore the balance between rich claimants and journalists pursuing the truth.

Until recently the term Slapp – strategic lawsuit against public participation – meant very little. But in parliament, this week, an MP introduced a bill to ban what he called "legal gangsterism" – attempts by the rich and powerful to use the legal system to stifle journalistic investigations. The Times and Sunday Times' editorial legal director Pia Sarma argues it's time to restore the balance between rich claimants and journalists pursuing the truth.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes.

Guest: Pia Sarma, Editorial Legal Director, Times Media.

Host: Manveen Rana.

Clips: Times Radio, France 24, Parliament TV.

This podcast has been acquired by the Â鶹Éç. It is not complied by Â鶹Éç Editorial Standards but covered by the Ofcom Broadcasting Code.

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30 minutes