How to Ask Reporters to Correct Their Stories

 

Nobody likes to ask reporters to correct a story, but over the years I have developed a different perspective about this. Rather than thinking of pointing out errors as criticism, think of it as fact checking. No reporter wants to have an error in their story. If you keep that in mind, it will make writing the email a little less onerous.

Read on for tips about how to ask for corrections and some perspective about the difference between corrections you can get and those you probably won’t.

Corrections versus misinformation or selective messaging

Corrections address inaccurate attribution, wrong dates, transposed numbers, and similar oversights. This is Information that is clearly wrong and rarely raises an objection when asked to be fixed. Stories with omissions and misstatements, or that misconstrue information or quotes are more difficult to deal with. It is important to know the difference. When the problem is a clear error, a simple email like this works:

Thank you for including us in your article today. There is an error in paragraph 5 I hope you can correct.

Include the link to the story, state which paragraph is in error, and give the correct information. Offer to supply the report or the source where it originated. I usually attach these sources even though the reporter probably still has their reference materials. I take every possible step to minimize their work and reduce confusion.

The subject line and where to send it

Use the same subject line you’ve been using in your previous correspondence (assuming you have been working with the reporter on the piece). Then truncate the subject line and add CORRECTION NEEDED or some similar phrase to catch their eye.

Email the reporter and the editor. Sometimes the editor can quickly make the change. Also, having more than one person helps ensure the email is not overlooked.

If this is your first engagement with the reporter, the subject line should convey urgency and legitimacy.

CORRECTION needed in XYZ story – from <>

When the error has been fixed, thank them and if the story is in syndication, mention that.

I appreciate your coverage and for making the correction. I realize it may not be possible to correct versions already in syndication. Perhaps you have insight about this.

Always thank them when the correction has been made. I also add a NNR or some other sign off to indicate no response is necessary.

About syndication

Sadly, if an article is already syndicated before the error is corrected, it is unlikely that it will get corrected in those secondary postings. By syndication, I mean that the story is picked up verbatim from the original source. Once the article is locked in in that new outlet, there is no way to automatically correct it elsewhere without contacting each individual outlet.

Dealing with misinformation and other intentional bias in the story

Always remember that reporters are going to write what they want no matter how well your client’s position was stated and no matter the facts that counter the reporter’s perspective. Quotes and information in the story without the right context, intentional obfuscation, and misdirection do show up in articles. We’ve all seen it. I could write a master class on how to deal with this issue, however I’ll limit my advice to a few points.

First, know the outlet’s and the reporter’s bias. If they interviewed one of your sources and deliberately misquoted them or published incorrect facts, you might be able to get a correction. You MUST ask regardless of whether you expect to receive an answer or secure the changes. Here’s why. In the future, It might be necessary to explain why that previously published information is incorrect to another reporter, an investor, or a prospect. To lend credence to your assertion, you’ll have to explain that efforts were made to correct the original story. Trust me. This will happen at some point down the line.

Always email the reporter and the editor simultaneously. Make your case clearly and without emotion. Be prepared for a non-answer or the answer you don’t want — which is a “no”. The goal is to maintain positive relations so don’t be rude or accusatory. Never threaten the editor or reporter in any way. Remain professional in all your dealings and state your case as a representative of the company.

Use the same formula as described above. Type (in all caps) CORRECTION in the subject line, include the link and the lines or paragraphs that are incorrect. Supply support material if appropriate.

Always consider the potential to be escalating the issue when asking for a correction when the reporter is clearly biased against your client or the issue. Sometimes the request, depending on how it was delivered, can escalate the problem. I’ve not found this to be the case with reputable media outlets like the trades and local, regional, or national media outlets. However, move cautiously with niche media, agenda-driven media, investigative media, and sites attached to a movement. It often is not worth pursuing corrections and sometimes can escalate the issue.

What to do if no correction is made

It is possible an error will not be corrected. Your request might be missed or ignored. In those cases, call the newsroom and ask for help. You might get routed to a different editor who can make the correction. If after 2 or 3 tries nothing has worked, it is unlikely changes will be made.

If you’ve been trying to get a correction in a story containing misinformation or bias and the reporter or editor has made it clear that they have no intention of changing it, restate your position calmly and clearly in one more email. It can’t hurt to express respect for their position and profession, but I don’t go so far as to stroke their ego in an attempt to win the argument or ingratiate yourself to them for the future. Maintain the utmost professional standard and accept that sometimes you won’t win.

At times that I have not been able to secure a change, I have asked for an opportunity to submit a byline. I have also written letters to the editor. Here’s a terrific example of one success when we responded to an individual’s opinion piece in the Chronicle of Higher Education.

This was originally published in PR in EdTech on LinkedIn on June 5 2025.