> It is not the job of the media to accuse people of having committed crimes, and it is dangerous for most people to do so. Defamation is a real thing. Publicly accuse someone of a crime they did not commit, and they have a legitimate civil cause of action against you.

It's indeed dangerous for "most people" to do so. However, in many jurisdictions, the media gets more protection against defamation claims than the average person because of their public duty to report alleged criminal behavior.

The press doesn't get to receive special treatment in defamation law and then claim they're not going to report facts because they fear legal consequences.