Corrections Policy

Last Updated: June 24, 2025

This Corrections Policy outlines our procedures for handling errors in our published content. We take accuracy seriously and are committed to correcting mistakes quickly and transparently when they occur.

We encourage our readers to bring errors to our attention and appreciate their role in helping us maintain the highest standards of accuracy.

Table of Contents

  1. Types of Corrections
  2. Correction Process
  3. How to Report Errors
  4. Correction Standards
  5. Retraction Policy
  6. Clarifications
  7. Transparency and Accountability
  8. Contact Information

1. Types of Corrections

Minor Corrections
Small factual errors or typos
  • • Spelling and grammar errors
  • • Minor factual inaccuracies
  • • Incorrect dates or numbers
  • • Name misspellings
Significant Corrections
Important factual errors
  • • Incorrect quotes or attributions
  • • Factual errors affecting story meaning
  • • Misidentification of people or places
  • • Incorrect statistical information
Retractions
Fundamental errors requiring withdrawal
  • • Stories based on false information
  • • Fabricated or unverifiable content
  • • Serious ethical violations
  • • Legal or safety concerns

2. Correction Process

Immediate Response

  • Errors are investigated immediately upon identification
  • Corrections are made as soon as verification is complete
  • No correction is too small to address promptly
  • Editorial team is notified of all corrections

Verification Process

  • All reported errors are thoroughly investigated
  • Original sources are consulted when possible
  • Multiple verification methods are used
  • Editorial oversight ensures accuracy of corrections

Implementation

  • Corrections are clearly marked and prominently displayed
  • Original incorrect information is preserved for transparency
  • Correction notices explain the nature of the error
  • Timestamps indicate when corrections were made

3. How to Report Errors

We encourage readers to report errors through multiple channels:

Contact Methods

  • Email: corrections@illuminews.com
  • Contact Form: Use our online contact form
  • Social Media: Direct message on our social platforms
  • Phone: +1 (555) 123-4567 during business hours

Information to Include

  • URL or title of the article containing the error
  • Specific description of the error
  • Correct information with sources if available
  • Your contact information for follow-up

Response Timeline

  • Acknowledgment within 24 hours
  • Investigation completed within 48 hours
  • Correction published within 72 hours if verified
  • Follow-up communication with reporter

4. Correction Standards

Visibility and Placement

  • Corrections appear prominently at the top or bottom of articles
  • Correction notices are clearly labeled as "Correction" or "Update"
  • Significant corrections may warrant separate articles
  • Social media corrections are posted on relevant platforms

Content Requirements

  • Clear explanation of what was incorrect
  • Accurate replacement information
  • Date and time of correction
  • Preservation of original text when appropriate

Language and Tone

  • Direct and clear language
  • No defensive or evasive wording
  • Acknowledgment of the error
  • Professional and respectful tone

5. Retraction Policy

In rare cases where an article contains fundamental errors that cannot be adequately corrected, we may retract the entire piece:

Grounds for Retraction

  • Articles based on fabricated or completely false information
  • Content that violates our ethical standards
  • Stories that pose legal or safety risks
  • Articles where the core premise is fundamentally flawed

Retraction Process

  • Thorough investigation by senior editorial staff
  • Consultation with legal counsel when necessary
  • Clear retraction notice explaining the reasons
  • Preservation of the original article with retraction notice
  • Notification to relevant parties and platforms

Post-Retraction Actions

  • Review of editorial processes to prevent similar issues
  • Additional fact-checking procedures if needed
  • Staff training or policy updates as appropriate
  • Public accountability measures when warranted

6. Clarifications

Sometimes our reporting, while accurate, may benefit from additional context or clarification:

When Clarifications Are Used

  • When accurate information could be misinterpreted
  • To provide additional context that enhances understanding
  • To address reader confusion about complex topics
  • To update developing stories with new information

Clarification Standards

  • Clearly labeled as "Clarification" or "Editor's Note"
  • Explanation of why clarification was needed
  • Additional context or information provided
  • Timestamp indicating when clarification was added

7. Transparency and Accountability

Public Record

  • All corrections are preserved in our archives
  • Correction history is maintained for each article
  • Regular reporting on correction statistics
  • Analysis of error patterns to improve processes

Learning and Improvement

  • Regular review of correction patterns and causes
  • Staff training based on common error types
  • Process improvements to prevent future errors
  • Reader feedback integration into editorial practices

Editorial Accountability

  • Senior editors review all significant corrections
  • Root cause analysis for serious errors
  • Individual accountability for repeated errors
  • Continuous improvement of editorial standards

8. Contact Information

For corrections, clarifications, or questions about our accuracy standards:

Corrections Team

Email: corrections@illuminews.com
Phone: +1 (555) 123-4567
Address: Illuminews Corrections Department
123 News Avenue
New York, NY 10001
United States

Editorial Leadership

For serious concerns about editorial standards or systemic issues:

Editor-in-Chief: editorial@illuminews.com
Managing Editor: managing@illuminews.com

Response Commitment

  • All correction requests acknowledged within 24 hours
  • Investigation completed within 48 hours
  • Corrections published within 72 hours if verified
  • Follow-up communication provided to all reporters

Report an Error

Found an error in our reporting? We want to hear from you. Help us maintain the highest standards of accuracy.