Article Reflection No. 24 (9/3/2022)

Article/Page: How does The New York Times handle corrections?

(Photo Credit: The New York Times)

In this quick overview of the correction process behind its journalism, The New York Times shares how, if a possible error is detected in published work, the first step is to decide whether or not it is a mistake. Then, after contacting the author(s) and editors, a “warranted” mistake is fixed to accuracy, and the correction is stated at the bottom of the article. Another rule in the correction process is how, even if the same work is published across different magazine editions, the correction will and must be stated. However, misinformation during breaking news falls under a different category, because live news is susceptible to change and nothing appears definite. According to The New York Times, “these changes [are typically explained] in the updating article and do not append a correction” (The New York Times 7).

In my Modern Media class, I am currently learning about Journalism ethics, and within that zone is the process behind each magazine, each article, and each column of news platforms. The key takeaway from this quick article seems to be how The New York Times highly prioritizes publishing accurate information.

In Modern Media, the teacher showed us a video, and through it, she explained how truth is not the same as accuracy. According to her, different people have different versions of the truth in their head—the versions that they think are most definitely right. However, accuracy refers to a more universal truth. Therefore, rather than facing the unfathomable task of publishing “truthful” reports, news platforms must focus instead on publishing “accurate” ones.