The fair comment position is the usual defense to a charge of defamation. If a comment is made about a person that they feel is disparaging, either by a media publication or by another individual, the person or entity that published the comment must be able to say that it is their honest opinion on the subject and that it is impartial in nature. The statement should also be of public concern or interest, e.g., information related to a public figure.
Many reporters rely on the fair comment position to be able to publish the day-to-day events of civil government or other aspects of society, since some of what needs to be reported on will be negative in nature. As long as the information is passed along in an impartial way, the writer or speaker is able to rely on this position.