Final answer:
The New York Times refused to publish a retraction after L.B. Sullivan demanded one, which led to a lawsuit. In the Supreme Court case, New York Times Co. v. Sullivan (1964), the Court ruled in favor of the newspaper, stating that the First Amendment protects even false statements made by the press, as long as they are not made with actual malice. This decision provides significant protection to media organizations when reporting on public figures and events.
Step-by-step explanation:
After The New York Times published the "Heed Their Rising Voices" advertisement, L.B. Sullivan demanded a retraction. The Times responded by refusing to publish a retraction, which led to a lawsuit.
In the case of New York Times Co. v. Sullivan (1964), the Supreme Court ruled in favor of The New York Times, stating that the First Amendment protects even false statements made by the press, as long as they are not made with actual malice.
As a result of this decision, newspapers and other media organizations have a significant amount of protection when reporting on public figures and events, as long as they do not knowingly publish false information or act with malice.