A Florida judge has ruled a popular YouTube creator is not a journalist. The decision came in a lawsuit involving actress Blake Lively. It centers on a subpoena for the creator’s reporting materials.
This ruling challenges the legal status of digital news gatherers. It highlights a growing conflict between new media and old laws. According to Rolling Stone, the case could set a major precedent.
The creator, Andy Signore of Popcorned Planet, covered the legal saga around the film “It Ends With Us.” He reported on allegations between stars Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. Lively’s legal team subpoenaed his communications and sources.
Signore argued he had reporter’s privilege. He said his work involved traditional newsgathering. He conducted source interviews and analyzed court documents.
Judge Lindsay S. Griffin disagreed in an 18-page order. She stated Popcorned Planet was “little more than a YouTube channel.” The ruling said Signore must work for a traditional outlet like a newspaper or TV station to qualify.
This definition worries many independent reporters. Platforms like Substack and Patreon host serious investigative work. A strict ruling could strip these writers of vital legal protections.
The public increasingly gets news from social media. A Pew Research report confirms this trend. Yet the law lags behind this new reality.
Another Florida case offered a different outcome. Creator Milagro Gramz was found liable for defamation by a jury. However, the same jury classified her as a “media defendant.” This shows inconsistent legal recognition for online creators.
