A correction policy is a newsroom's public commitment to fix factual errors openly and promptly. It typically states what counts as an error worth correcting, how corrections are labelled and dated, and how the organization stays accountable, so mistakes are fixed in the open rather than quietly edited away.
Correcting mistakes is a core journalistic obligation. The Society of Professional Journalists' code instructs journalists to acknowledge mistakes and correct them promptly and prominently, and to explain corrections and clarifications carefully and clearly. A correction policy turns that principle into a standing, published commitment that readers can check.
Good practice for corrections includes labelling them explicitly as 'Correction', not vaguely as an 'Update', stating clearly what was wrong and what is now correct, and fixing the underlying error in the original piece so the two versions do not stay in conflict. Guidance on digital corrections also recommends timestamps showing when a correction was made, which demonstrates accountability rather than quietly hiding the change.
A written policy should be easy to find on the organization's website, and it should set expectations: what kinds of errors will be corrected, how quickly, and how readers can report a mistake. Publishing the policy itself, not just following it privately, is part of what builds trust with both readers and journalists who cover the organization.
How to: 1) Write a short public correction policy and link it from your newsroom footer. 2) When an error is found, verify it, then correct the original content and add a labelled correction note stating what was wrong and what is now accurate. 3) Date the correction. 4) If the error was shared on social media, correct it there too, replying directly to the original post where possible rather than only editing quietly. 5) Thank whoever flagged the error when appropriate.
QUESTIONS
What should a correction policy include?
A statement of what the organization considers worth correcting, how corrections will be labelled and dated, and a way for readers to report suspected errors. Publishing this policy, not just following it internally, is part of demonstrating accountability.
Should corrections be hidden or visible?
Visible. Best practice is to label a fix explicitly as a correction, explain what was wrong and what is now correct, and date it, rather than silently editing the original text without any note.
Do corrections apply to social media posts too?
Yes. Guidance on digital corrections recommends replying directly to the original erroneous post, contacting people who shared it where practical, and generally avoiding simple deletion, since deletion can look like an attempt to hide the mistake.
Is having a correction policy required by law?
No, it is a professional and ethical practice, not a general legal requirement. This is general information, not legal advice; specific obligations can vary and a qualified professional should be consulted for legal questions.
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