Journalists often are less than precise when reporting on libel. The text in bold bothers me becuse it would only matter whether the newspaper was reckless if Jewell were a public figure at the time of the statement, which he wasn’t. And even if he were, malicious motivation never would matter:
“The Journal-Constitution did not settle. The newspaper has contended that at the time it published its reports Jewell was a suspect, so the articles were accurate. The newspaper also has asserted that it was not reckless or malicious in its reports regarding Jewell. Much of Jewell’s case was dismissed last year. One claim, based on reports about a 911 call, is pending trial.”