Corrections Policy

This policy covers situations that might warrant story corrections, how to respond to requests for corrections and how to properly issue corrections.

ACCURACY

As a journalistic organization, it is imperative that the Marquette Wire strives to provide truthful, accurate, fair and contextualized information to readers, viewers and listeners. 

The role of journalists is to equip members of society with information that can influence their decisions and understandings of the world. Reporters, producers, editors and other staff members have an obligation to fact-check all information carefully and thoroughly. It is only by prioritizing accuracy that the Marquette Wire can earn credibility in the community. 

When we make mistakes, we must address them swiftly and with thoughtfulness. Transparency must be at the forefront of our approach in order to maintain openness with those we serve.

FACTUAL ERRORS

It is important to distinguish factual errors from baseless complaints.

Journalists are often met with criticism for stories, especially those that hold powerful institutions or individuals accountable. It is essential for journalists to consider the bias of individuals providing criticism. If a person has a stake in a story, their intention to complain may not be to ensure accuracy, but rather to protect the reputation of themselves, another person or institution. These complaints must be evaluated carefully for soundness.

If a source merely disparages a story without providing specific errors, the complaint does not warrant a correction. Editors and reporters are encouraged to ask sources for more information if they appear unhappy with our reporting.

If a source claims there is a factual error in a story, the staff member who receives the complaint must notify the executive director of the Wire. Failing to do so could result in disciplinary action. The executive director should work with the staff member to investigate the credibility of the fact in question. The executive director should notify the manager of the involved branch.

The process of investigating the fact can include conducting research, meeting with involved staff members, re-contacting original sources, using personal judgement, referencing reporting notes and ensuring that facts appear in necessary context.

Any accusation of inaccuracy must be taken very seriously. Every person involved should exhaust all possible measures to find the truth and respond accordingly.

RESPONDING TO COMPLAINTS

Staff members should respond to all serious complaints with direction from the executive director of the Marquette Wire.

An initial response should acknowledge receipt of the complaint and inform the source that the Marquette Wire will evaluate the matter. A follow-up response should indicate whether the Marquette Wire issued a correction, and provide reasoning for the decision.

Staff members should always be polite and respectful when acknowledging complaints. This includes thanking sources for reading, viewing and/or listening and expressing that the Marquette Wire takes complaints seriously. Staff members should not engage in debate with members of the public about a story’s factual validity.

ISSUING CORRECTIONS

If the executive director concludes that a correction is warranted, a staff member should issue the following tag at the bottom of an online story:

Correction: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that (include factual error here). The story has been updated to correctly state that (include fact here). The Wire regrets this error.

The managing editor of the Marquette Tribune should issue the following statement in the corrections box in the newspaper:

(Date)’s “(Story Print Headline)” incorrectly stated that (include factual error here). In fact, (include fact here). The Tribune regrets this error.

There may be instances when the executive director and Tribune managing editor decide the correction should be placed in the same prominence as the original error. This would occur if the error was particularly consequential in magnitude.

The managing editor of the Marquette Journal should issue the following statement in a subsequent issue of the Journal:

In the (Title) issue of the Marquette Journal, the story “(Story’s Print Headline)” incorrectly stated that (include factual error here). In fact, (include fact here). The Journal regrets this error.

The general manager of Marquette University Television should issue a statement similar to the following in subsequent programming:

In the previous (Title of Programming), the story about (Topic) incorrectly stated that (include factual error here). In fact, (include fact here). MUTV regrets this error.

If the correction is for an individual video package on the website, the general manager of Marquette University Television can follow the guidelines for an online correction posted below the video. If possible, the general manager should update the video itself to reflect the correct information.

The general manager of Marquette Radio should issue a statement similar to the following in subsequent programming:

In the previous (Title of Programming), the story about (Topic) incorrectly stated that (include factual error here). In fact, (include fact here). Marquette Radio regrets this error.

If the correction is for an individual audio package on the website, the general manager of Marquette Radio can follow the guidelines for an online correction posted below the audio. If possible, the general manager should update the audio itself to reflect the correct information.

Corrections posted online should always be in italics.

TRANSPARENCY

When issuing corrections, the Marquette Wire should take steps to increase transparency between our organization and the people who rely on us for accurate information.

In some cases, it may be applicable to include the reason for an error. For example, if a source provided false information to a reporter, the correction should disclose this.

There may be cases where the Marquette Wire should disclose the steps it took to mediate an error. For example, if a reporter falsified a source, the Marquette Wire should state that disciplinary action was taken against the staff member who reported the story.

The actions in this section must be approved by the executive director of the Wire.