1. Prompt Identification and Reporting

• Internal Monitoring: All staff members are responsible for identifying potential errors in published content.
• Public Reporting: Readers can report errors by emailing [email protected] or using the “Report an Error” link available on each article page.newscollab.org+1ethics.journalists.org+1

2. Assessment and Verification

• Review Process: Upon receiving a correction request, editors will assess the claim by reviewing the original content, consulting relevant sources, and determining the validity of the reported error.
• Consultation: If necessary, editors will consult with the reporter involved and any external experts to ensure an accurate assessment.

3. Correction Implementation

• Minor Errors: Corrections will be made directly in the text without a formal notice for typographical errors or minor inaccuracies that do not alter the story's meaning.
• Significant Errors: For errors that impact the story's understanding or credibility, the following steps will be taken:
  • Correction Notice: A correction notice will be added at the top or bottom of the article, clearly stating the nature of the error and the correction.
  • Timestamp Update: The article's timestamp will be updated to reflect the correction date.
  • Social Media: If the article was shared, a corrected version will be reposted with a note about the correction.

4. Transparency and Accountability

• Corrections Log: Maintain a publicly accessible corrections log on the website, listing all significant corrections with links to the original articles.
• Editorial Review: Regularly review correction patterns to identify areas for improvement in the editorial process.

5. Staff Training and Awareness

• Ongoing Education: Provide regular training sessions for staff on fact-checking, source verification, and ethical reporting practices.
• Ethical Standards: Reinforce the importance of the SPJ Code of Ethics, emphasizing principles like “Seek Truth and Report It” and “Be Accountable and Transparent.” spj.org

By adhering to this corrections policy, Racine County Eye commits to upholding the highest standards of journalistic integrity, ensuring that our readers receive accurate and trustworthy information.

If you need assistance implementing this policy or have further questions, please ask.