Draft template. Confirm that the process below matches how [YOUR ORGANIZATION] will actually handle corrections, fill in the bracketed items, and delete this notice before publishing.
Our commitment
USFeedNow works to publish accurate information, but mistakes happen. When they do, we want to correct them quickly, clearly, and honestly. A correction is not an embarrassment to hide. It is part of being accountable to the people who rely on us.
What we correct
We correct errors of fact, including wrong names, titles, dates, places, numbers, quotations, captions, and photo credits, as well as statements that are misleading because of missing context, and headlines that do not match the facts in the story. We also fix errors in graphics, charts, and embedded material.
We do not treat every change as a correction. Fixing a typo, a spelling error, or a broken link that does not affect meaning does not require a public note. Differences of opinion about how a story was framed are not corrections either, although we welcome feedback on them.
How to report an error
If you believe we have published something inaccurate, please tell us. To help us act quickly, include:
- the web address (URL) of the story or page;
- the sentence, image, or figure you believe is wrong;
- what you believe is correct, and, if you can, a link or document that supports it; and
- your name and email address, so we can follow up if we have questions.
Send corrections requests to [INSERT CORRECTIONS EMAIL] or use the form on our Contact page and choose the Corrections topic. Please do not include sensitive personal information in your message.
What happens after you report an error
We review each report in good faith. An editor [INSERT ROLE, e.g., managing editor] checks the claim against the original sources. If we confirm an error, we correct it. If the claim is not supported, we may reply to explain why we have not made a change. [State a response time only if you can reliably meet it. Otherwise remove this sentence.] We may not be able to respond to every message individually, but every report about accuracy will be read.
How corrections appear
How we mark a correction depends on how serious the error was.
- Minor corrections. For small factual errors that do not change the meaning of the story, we fix the text and, where appropriate, add a short note at the end of the article, such as a line saying that an earlier version misstated a detail.
- Significant corrections. If an error affects the meaning of a story, the reputation of a person or organization, or a reader’s understanding of an important fact, we correct the text and add a clearly visible correction note at the top or bottom of the story. The note states what was wrong and what is now correct.
- Clarifications. When a statement was accurate but could be misunderstood, we add a clarification explaining the point.
- Updates. When new information emerges and a story develops, we update it and show the updated time. An update is different from a correction, but where new facts show that we previously reported something incorrectly, we say so.
Where the error appeared in a newsletter, social post, or other channel, we aim to correct it there as well where that is practical. [Edit to match the channels you actually use.]
Corrections we will not make quietly
We do not delete or rewrite published material to hide an error. If a story is so flawed that it must be removed, we will say why and, where appropriate, leave a note at the same address explaining that the article has been withdrawn. Removal is reserved for serious cases, such as material we published without the right to use it, content that is legally problematic, or reporting that turns out to be fundamentally unreliable.
Corrections to headlines, images, and captions
Headlines, subheadings, captions, and image credits are held to the same standard as the body of a story. If a headline overstates or misstates the story, we will change it and note the change when it is significant. If a photo is misidentified or misattributed, we correct the caption or credit and, if needed, replace the image.
Corrections from third parties
Sometimes errors originate with a source, a wire service, a data provider, or a contributor. We are still responsible for what we publish. When we learn that material we relied on was wrong, we correct our story and, where appropriate, tell readers what changed.
Requests to remove content
We handle requests to remove or alter articles differently from corrections of fact. Journalism is part of the public record, and we do not remove accurate reporting because it is unwelcome. We do consider requests involving legal concerns, privacy risks to vulnerable individuals, or material published without permission. Send these requests to [INSERT EMAIL] with the article address and the reason for the request. Copyright complaints are covered in our Editorial Policy.
Right to respond
People and organizations named in our reporting may want to respond. Where a response is fair and relevant, we consider adding it to the story or publishing a follow-up. Send responses to [INSERT EMAIL].
Reader feedback and transparency
Feedback from readers makes our reporting better. We value it even when it is critical. We aim to be open about how we handle mistakes: corrections are visible on the story they affect, corrections notes stay in place for as long as the story is online, and we do not remove them to improve appearances. If you think a correction is incomplete or that we handled a report poorly, tell us at [INSERT EMAIL] and an editor will look at it again.
Learning from mistakes
We review significant errors to understand how they happened and how to avoid repeating them. [Describe any actual internal review, or delete this sentence.] We may also update our practices and this policy as a result.
Contact
Corrections: [INSERT EMAIL]
General: [INSERT EMAIL]
Mailing address: [INSERT ADDRESS, if published]
This policy was last reviewed on [INSERT DATE].