BUSI 506 – LEGAL AND ETHICAL ENVIRONMENT
FINAL EXAMINATION – 9
QUESTION 9
When Sylvia Wood talks, people listen. As a talk-show host with her own nationally syndicated television program, “The Sylvia Show,” Wood reaches approximately thirty million viewers each week. Her dedicated viewers are collectively referred to as “Sylvia’s Militia,” and most wait breathlessly for Wood’s on-air blessings of products, people, and books.
One of her recent programs has Wood in hot water. Wood devoted her September 30 episode to a food-borne illness commonly referred to as “crazy chicken” disease. During the past two years, approximately fifty people in the United States have developed physical symptoms after eating undercooked, diseased chicken. Apparently, chickens have developed the disease after eating substandard feed, and consumers have been affected down the food chain. Common symptoms include muscle contractions, nausea, and diarrhea.
During the September 30 episode of “The Sylvia Show,” Wood interviewed a medical doctor, Dr. Tyson Fowler, who said that in his opinion, chicken was not safe for human consumption. In response, Wood had said “Dr. Fowler, if that is the case, I will never eat chicken again.”
Hearing of this episode, the United Poultry Growers Association sued Wood and “The Sylvia Show,” claiming commercial disparagement (the commercial equivalent of defamation.)
Are the defendants Wood and “The Sylvia Show” liable for commercial disparagement? (20 Points)
BUSI 506 – LEGAL AND ETHICAL ENVIRONMENT
FINAL EXAMINATION – 9
QUESTION 9
When Sylvia Wood talks, people listen. As a talk-show host with her own nationally syndicated television program, “The Sylvia Show,” Wood reaches approximately thirty million viewers each week. Her dedicated viewers are collectively referred to as “Sylvia’s Militia,” and most wait breathlessly for Wood’s on-air blessings of products, people, and books.
One of her recent programs has Wood in hot water. Wood devoted her September 30 episode to a food-borne illness commonly referred to as “crazy chicken” disease. During the past two years, approximately fifty people in the United States have developed physical symptoms after eating undercooked, diseased chicken. Apparently, chickens have developed the disease after eating substandard feed, and consumers have been affected down the food chain. Common symptoms include muscle contractions, nausea, and diarrhea.
During the September 30 episode of “The Sylvia Show,” Wood interviewed a medical doctor, Dr. Tyson Fowler, who said that in his opinion, chicken was not safe for human consumption. In response, Wood had said “Dr. Fowler, if that is the case, I will never eat chicken again.”
Hearing of this episode, the United Poultry Growers Association sued Wood and “The Sylvia Show,” claiming commercial disparagement (the commercial equivalent of defamation.)
Are the defendants Wood and “The Sylvia Show” liable for commercial disparagement? (20 Points)