Corrections Policy
Corrections Policy
The Heartlands Tribune is committed to accuracy, transparency and correcting substantive errors when they occur.
Journalism is produced in real time and mistakes can happen. When we get something wrong, our responsibility is to correct it clearly and, where necessary, explain what has changed.
Readers who believe an article contains a factual error are encouraged to contact us with details and, where possible, supporting evidence.
Corrections
A correction is made when published material contains a substantive factual error, misleading statement, inaccurate quotation, incorrect attribution or other significant mistake.
Where appropriate, we will:
- correct the inaccurate material
- clearly identify that a correction has been made
- explain the nature of the correction where it is material to the article
- preserve the substance of the original article unless removal is necessary
Minor spelling, grammar, formatting or typographical changes that do not alter the meaning of an article may be corrected without a formal correction notice.
Updates
News develops.
Where significant new information becomes available after publication, we may update an article rather than issue a correction.
Substantial additions will normally be identified as an Update or otherwise made clear to readers where the new information materially changes or develops the original report.
An update is not the same as a correction. It reflects new information rather than an error in the original reporting.
Clarifications
Where published information is factually correct but could reasonably be misunderstood or lacks important context, we may add a clarification.
Clarifications are intended to improve accuracy and understanding without suggesting that the original information was necessarily false.
Right of Reply
Individuals and organisations who are the subject of our reporting are welcome to contact The Heartlands Tribune if they believe material concerning them is inaccurate, incomplete or requires a response.
Where appropriate, we may update an article to include relevant comments, evidence or a right of reply.
Publication of such a response does not automatically imply agreement with it.
Retractions and Removal
In exceptional circumstances, an article may require substantial correction, retraction or removal.
This may occur where:
- the central factual basis of the article is shown to be materially false
- publication presents a serious legal or safety concern
- material was published in error
- other compelling circumstances make continued publication inappropriate
Where an entire article is retracted, our preference is normally to preserve the original URL and publish a clear notice explaining that the article has been withdrawn and, where appropriate, why.
Complete removal may be used where leaving the material online would itself cause harm, create legal risk or perpetuate false information.
Social Media Corrections
Where an article has been materially corrected, retracted or substantially changed after publication, we will consider whether an accompanying correction or update should also be issued on the social media channels through which the original article was promoted.
Where practical, we will make reasonable efforts to ensure readers who encountered the original claim are made aware of a significant correction.
Transparency
We do not believe corrections should be hidden.
Material corrections should be made in a way that allows readers to understand what was changed and why.
Our aim is to correct mistakes promptly, proportionately and transparently while preserving an accurate record of our journalism.
Reporting an Error
If you believe an article published by The Heartlands Tribune contains a factual error, please contact us with:
- the title or URL of the article
- the statement you believe is incorrect
- an explanation of the issue
- any supporting evidence or source material
Email: contact@heartlandstribune.com
Correction requests are reviewed editorially. The submission of a request does not automatically mean that a correction will be made, but all credible factual challenges will be considered.
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