Dominion’s suit exposed how Fox damages democracy with its lies | Margaret Sullivan

The settlement, though disappointing, provides at least a measure of accountability

As opening arguments neared on Tuesday afternoon, even the most hardened skeptics might have found themselves thinking the impossible was actually going to happen: the corrosive lies of Fox News would go on trial, Rupert Murdoch would be forced to the witness stand, and positive societal change might result.

American democracy, which has been teetering on the brink in recent years - would be pulled back from the precipice, at least by a few crucial feet.

Margaret Sullivan is a Guardian US columnist writing on media, politics and culture