O.C.G.A. § 51-5-2: Newspaper libel defined; publication prerequisite to recovery.

(a) Any false and malicious defamation of another in any newspaper, magazine, or periodical, tending to injure the reputation of the person and expose him to public hatred, contempt, or ridicule, shall constitute a newspaper libel.

(b) The publication of the libelous matter is essential to recovery.