Mistakes happen. How we deal with errors in our reporting is important to maintaining our integrity and the trust of readers and sources. When the Chronicle publishes an error, we will acknowledge it and take appropriate steps to correct it as quickly as possible, both online and in print and, if necessary, on social media and other off-platform applications.
Readers who wish to alert editors to a needed correction can email
[email protected]
Factual errors must be corrected — even if the subject of the error does not formally request a correction. We also correct factual errors made, for example, in an event listing, even if the relevant event has passed. When in doubt about whether a correction or clarification is needed, it is generally best to consult with your editor. Leaving anyone with the impression that we do not admit and rectify mistakes could cause readers to question our Writer integrity.
Occasionally, an error may not be a misstated fact but a matter of nuance, context or tone. Such mistakes may require clarifications, editor’s notes or a statement from the editor in chief.
The information in a correction should be verified by the reporter, photographer or editor who made the error. Source editors must fact-check the correction as well. All corrections must be brought to the attention of and approved by a section or masthead-level editor before being published.
If a request for a retraction or correction comes from an outside attorney or person threatening a legal response, the editor in chief and our legal counsel must be consulted before any response or decision is made about how to handle the complaint.
Generally, the Chronicle does not repeat the original error and does not editorialize about the cause or implication of the error in publishing a correction.
Social media: If incorrect information is shared on a news alert or on social networks, we should notify readers using the same platform and provide the accurate information. In many cases, it may be appropriate to delete the incorrect post. In such cases, a screenshot should be taken of the original post, which should be shared with clarifying information and explain that the post was deleted.