Last week, ABC News announced a $15 million settlement to resolve a defamation lawsuit involving the network and news anchor George Stephanopoulos. The lawsuit stemmed from Stephanopoulos’s inaccurate report that president-elect Donald Trump had been found “liable for rape” of writer E. Jean Carroll. In reality, Trump was liable for “sexually abusing” Ms. Carroll, not for rape, as defined under the law.

The incident underscores the profound influence the media has on shaping public perception and the urgent need for accuracy in reporting. In the case of Stephanopoulos, his error—whether from misreading, or misunderstanding—resulted in a significant misstatement with serious implications. In addition to the monetary damage, Stephanopoulos was ordered to make an on-air apology.

In the first of two cases Ms. Carroll brought against the former president, Trump was found liable of “sexually abusing” and defaming Carroll. A jury of his peers ordered him to pay her $5 million.

In January, at a second trial in federal court in Manhattan, a jury of his peers found Trump liable on additional defamation claims and ordered to pay Carroll $83.3 million.

Trump is appealing both verdicts.

Last year, a defamation lawsuit brought by Dominion Voting Systems against Fox News stemming from false claims aired on the network after the 2020 U.S. presidential election was settled. Dominion alleged that Fox News repeatedly broadcast unfounded allegations that Dominion’s voting machines were rigged or manipulated to favor Joe Biden over Donald Trump. These claims, promoted by some of Fox’s on-air personalities and guests, were debunked but contributed to significant reputational and financial harm to Dominion.

The lawsuit, filed for $1.6 billion, argued that Fox News knowingly aired false information to retain viewers who were loyal to Trump. Internal communications revealed that some Fox hosts and executives privately expressed skepticism about the allegations but still aired them.

Just before the case was set to go to trial, Fox agreed to a settlement with Dominion for $787.5 million. The decision avoided a high-profile trial that could have further exposed the internal workings of the network. However, unlike Stephanopoulos, Fox or any of its hosts, were not required to make an on-air apology as part of the settlement but stated it was committed to the “highest journalistic standards.” (Apparently, Fox’s idea of “highest journalistic standards” seems to exist in a realm far removed from what most of us would recognize.)

Trust is as essential for public officials as it is for the media. Both hold immense influence over public perception and decision-making, shaping the course of our lives and the direction of democracy. When public officials abandon integrity or the media sacrifices truth for expediency or sensationalism, the consequences go far beyond personal credibility—they weaken the trust that holds a democracy together.

What concerns me most in both cases is the absence of any announcement from ABC or Fox about steps to improve procedures and prevent this from happening again—an essential move that would demonstrate to their audiences a commitment to accountability and rebuilding trust.

Ethical leadership demands more than following rules; it requires an unwavering commitment to honesty, transparency, and accountability. Trust is earned through actions that consistently reflect these values. In both public service and journalism, trust is a vital bond that connects us to the truth and to one another. Without it, the very foundation of a just and ethical society begins to unravel.

Friday, “America’s Christmas Carol.”