Answer:
Chilling effect
Step-by-step explanation:
The notion that the mere threat of any kind of lawsuit decreases the aggressiveness of the news media and their willingness to pursue and publish/broadcast hard-hitting stories is most commonly referred to as chilling effect.
A chilling effect is a when rights, such as free speech, are threatened by the possible negative results of exercising these rights. The effect is to put a stop to criticism and freedom of expression, even in cases where criticism is perfectly valid.