LANCASTER – LNP Media Group has filed objections in a lawsuit brought by former Manheim Township School Board President William Murry, who claims the Lancaster County news outlet defamed him and attempted to ruin his reputation.
Murry alleges that Lancaster Online knowingly published ‘fake news’ and violated the Pennsylvania Wiretapping and Electronic Surveillance Control Act, as the Pennsylvania Record has previously reported.
LNP Media Group owns Lancaster Online. Also named in the suit are the editor and two reporters of Lancaster Online.
LNP Media Group filed four objections to the suit in June.
The first objection is to have Murry’s allegation of defamation dismissed. LNP Media Group says Murry failed to plead a claim that would provide relief. This is based on its claim that Murry cannot prove with clear evidence that articles and editorials written by the defendants were false or made with malice.
The second objection is that Murry’s claim of invasion of privacy should be dismissed. LNP Media Group claims Murry has not proven with clear evidence that articles and editorials written by the defendants were false or made with malice because all publications were written “about a public official on a matter of legitimate public concern,” the objection states.
In the third objection, LNP Media Group wants parts of Murry’s allegations dismissed because “they are scandalous and impertinent, not relevant or necessary to the causes of action asserted, and are inserted merely for the purposes of provocation,” the objection states.
The fourth objection pertains to Murry not providing sufficient evidence in his suit, according to LNP Media Group, and asks the court to have him provide more specific detail as to his claims of defamation and malicious intent.
Murray is represented by Matthew H. Haverstick, Zachary C. Glaser and Joshua J. Voss of Kleinbard LLC in Philadelphia.
LMP Media is represented by Craig L. Staudenmair, Benjamin C. Dunlap Jr. and Nathaniel J. Flandreau of Nauman, Smith, Shissler & Hall in Harrisburg.