Recently, we learned about a few different ways of approaching errors in the news -- something that unfortunately happens everywhere at one time or another. The big question is what the best way would be to deal with those problems. If I were in charge of a paper and had to come up with a correction policy, here's what it would look like:
All errors, whether factual or typographical, must be handled as efficiently, yet reasonably, as possible. This means that any reports of inaccurate and/or libelous reporting will first being investigated by the editor of the section in which the error is said to occur. If the claim is found to be truthful, the reporter will be notified and warned. Subsequent errors will result in disciplinary action. Always offer a "hat tip" if the error is brought to our attention by someone in the community.
If the error is libelous or potentially defamatory: The editor-in-chief will determine further course of action with the writer, section editor, ombudsman and the attorney for the paper, if needed.
If the error is merely typographical: typographical errors may be scrubbed on the Web, provided they are not factually relevant (like a name of a person, address, etc.)
If the error is factual: Once confirmed, there will be a bold notice above the headline referencing the original date of publication, the error, and what the correction should be. It is not necessary to state the reason for the error, unless it stems from the use of reputable sources.
In print, there should be a consistent box (in the same place) that is used on a daily basis for reporting corrections. Ideally, this should be on the inside of the front page, but if this is not possible for layout reasons under special circumstances, than the editorial page is suitable.
The use of social media to alert readers of the error is at the discretion of the erroneous article's section editor, and would depend on the nature of the error itself as well as the time elapsed since its initial publication.
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