Australian defamation case a 'draw'

A bitter defamation row between two of Australia's heavyweight journalists ended with both sides claiming victory.

60 Minutes reporter Richard Carleton claimed his reputation had been vindicated despite being denied damages in his case against the ABC's Media Watch programme.

Former Media Watch frontman Paul Barry said it was a clear win for freedom of speech.

The ACT Supreme Court found Mr Carleton and the 60 Minutes producers had been defamed by the ABC, Media Watch and Mr Barry.

But it found in favour of the ABC, saying freedom of speech allowed Media Watch to make comment on the 60 Minutes item on the Srebrenica massacre.