Proof Burden Bars Small Media

Subsection (8) reverses the burden of proof, requiring publishers to prove the truth of election information rather than accusers proving falsity. Combined with the vague "likely to influence" standard in subsection (1), this creates asymmetric litigation risk that smaller media outlets, independent journalists, and content creators cannot afford to manage. The mandatory fact-checking requirements in subsection (7) apply even to individual "influencers and content creators," imposing institutional compliance costs on non-institutional actors. This consolidates election coverage in the hands of well-resourced legacy media, creating barriers to market entry and reducing competition in political journalism.