Purpose

These guidelines ensure transparency, accountability, and trust with our readers by establishing a clear and consistent process for handling retraction and correction requests. We are committed to correcting factual inaccuracies in a timely and responsible manner and to considering retractions when warranted.

1. Definitions

  • Correction: A statement that corrects a factual error in a previously published piece.
  • Retraction: A complete withdrawal of a published article or segment, typically due to serious factual errors, ethical breaches, or legal concerns.

2. General Principles

  1. Accuracy First: Our first responsibility is to publish accurate and verified information. When errors are discovered, we acknowledge and correct them promptly.
  2. Transparency: All corrections and retractions must be clearly marked and publicly visible.
  3. Accountability: We do not hide or silently change errors. Every correction must include a note that explains what was changed and why.
  4. Timeliness: We aim to respond to all retraction and correction requests within five business days.

3. Process for Requesting a Correction

  1. How to Submit a Request
    Correction requests may be submitted:
    • By email to: chris@northforksun.com
    • Via our website’s Contact Us page (designated for corrections)
    • In writing to: North Fork Sun, PO Box [address], [city, state, zip]
  2. Required Information
    All correction requests must include:
    • The article title, author, and publication date
    • A description of the error
    • Supporting documentation, if applicable
    • Contact information for follow-up
  3. Review and Decision
    • An editor will review the request and investigate the claim.
    • The reporter may be consulted and asked to provide source materials.
    • If the error is confirmed, a correction will be issued within 48 hours of confirmation.
  4. Correction Format
    • Online: A correction note will appear at the top or bottom of the article, dated and labeled as a correction.
    • Print: Corrections will appear in a designated section of the next available issue.

4. Process for Retraction Requests

  1. Criteria for Retraction
    Retractions are rare and may be considered under the following circumstances:
    • Substantiated claims of fabricated content or sourcing
    • Major factual errors that undermine the central premise of the article
    • Serious ethical violations
    • Legal findings such as libel or defamation
  2. Submission Requirements
    Retraction requests must be submitted in writing and include:
    • Specific allegations or legal documentation
    • Article details (title, author, date)
    • A full explanation of the issue and its implications
  3. Review Process
    • The Editor-in-Chief and/or legal counsel will conduct a full review.
    • The author of the article will be consulted unless doing so risks legal or ethical complications.
    • Retraction decisions will be made within 10 business days unless an extended investigation is warranted.
  4. Retraction Format
    • Online: The original article will be replaced by a retraction notice explaining the reason, date, and authority behind the decision.
    • Print: The retraction will appear in the next available issue, under a clearly labeled “Retraction” section.

5. Denials and Appeals

  • If a request is denied, the requester will receive a written explanation.
  • A requester may appeal the decision in writing to the Editor-in-Chief within 10 business days.
  • Appeals will be reviewed by a panel consisting of at least two editorial staffers not involved in the original article.

6. Internal Record-Keeping

  • All requests, decisions, and communications related to corrections or retractions will be documented and archived for at least five years.
  • A corrections log will be maintained and made available on our website.

7. Updates to These Guidelines

These guidelines may be updated periodically to reflect changes in industry standards, legal requirements, or editorial policy. Any updates will be published online with a revision date.