Jjpmusgrave

I think that it would probably clarify the situation if newspapers were to state if what they said was fact or opinion. However, it is normally quite clear by the tone of the article whether it is fact or opinion. Furthermore, the evidence with reference to the source, or lack of, further clarifies the piece.
I think we should just take what the newspapers say with a pinch of salt - and if someone is falsely accused by a newspaper; they should be granted compensation if it has, in some way, adversly affected their lives.