How to Request a Media Retraction or Correction: 13 Letter Templates & Examples

Letter #1: Request for Retraction of False Claims

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I am writing to request an immediate retraction of the false claims made in your article titled "[Article Title]" published on [Date]. The article falsely states that [False Claims]. This information is inaccurate and damaging to my reputation/the reputation of [Person/Organization Name].

I have attached evidence to support my claims and urge you to investigate this matter thoroughly. I expect a prompt retraction and a public apology to be issued in the same manner and prominence as the original article.

Letter #2: Correction Request for Misleading Statistics

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I am writing to request a correction regarding the misleading statistics presented in your recent report on [Topic]. The report states that [Misleading Statistics]. However, this data is incomplete and does not accurately represent the full picture.

I have attached a more comprehensive data set that provides a clearer and more accurate representation of the issue. I urge you to review this information and issue a correction to avoid misleading your audience.

Letter #3: Request for Clarification on Misinterpreted Statements

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I am writing to request clarification on statements attributed to me in your article titled "[Article Title]" published on [Date]. The article quotes me as saying [Misinterpreted Statements].

However, these statements were taken out of context and do not accurately reflect my intended meaning. My actual statement was [Actual Statement]. I kindly request that you publish a clarification to ensure the accuracy of your reporting.

Letter #4: Correction Request: Errors in Doe Foundation Article

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As a long-time subscriber, I am writing to point out factual errors in your recent article about Doe Foundation's philanthropic contributions. The enclosed copy has the mistakes circled and corrections noted. I request that you print a correction to maintain the accuracy of public information.

Letter #5: Retraction Request: False Divorce Claim

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I am requesting an immediate retraction and apology for the false claim in the Springfield Star that I am planning to divorce my husband. This inaccurate reporting has caused significant distress, and I expect the retraction to be given the same prominence as the original article.

Letter #6: Retraction Request: False Accusation in School Arts Program Article

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Your article on Springfield Middle School's Arts program falsely accused Mrs. Doe of inappropriate behavior. The error has caused her significant embarrassment. I request an immediate apology and retraction to clear her name.

Letter #7: Correction Request: Croissant Inventor

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Your article incorrectly identified British chef John Doe as the inventor of the croissant. The croissant was originally created by bakers in Budapest. Please publish a correction to rectify this factual error.

Letter #8: Misinformation Correction Request: [Incorrect Information]

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I am writing to request a correction regarding the misinformation published in your [Article/Report Title] on [Date]. The statement that [Incorrect Information] is inaccurate. The correct information is [Correct Information].

Letter #9: Request for Retraction of Defamatory Statements

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Your recent publication contained defamatory statements about [Person/Organization Name]. These statements are false and have caused harm to their reputation. I demand an immediate retraction and apology.

Letter #10: Clarification Request: Misleading Statements in Interview

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I request clarification regarding statements made in my recent interview with [Journalist Name]. The published quotes were taken out of context and do not accurately reflect my views on [Topic]. Please issue a clarification to prevent further misunderstanding.

Letter #11: Correction Request: Misrepresentation of Facts

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Your article on [Topic] misrepresents the facts and presents a biased perspective. I urge you to review the evidence and publish a correction to provide accurate information to your readers.

Letter #12: Request for Apology for False Accusation

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Your recent publication falsely accused me of [Action/Behavior]. This accusation is untrue and damaging to my reputation. I demand a formal apology and retraction of the statement.

Letter #13: Request for Balanced Reporting on Controversial Issue

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I am concerned about the lack of balance in your coverage of [Controversial Issue]. Your reporting has favored one side and neglected opposing viewpoints. I request that you present a more balanced and objective perspective to inform your readers fully.

Expert Tips

  • Identify errors: Clearly state the specific inaccuracies in the media content.
  • State the facts: Provide accurate information with supporting evidence, if possible.
  • Request action: Politely but firmly request a retraction, correction, or clarification.
  • Specify the desired outcome: Clearly state the desired action (e.g., published correction, apology).
  • Remain professional: Maintain a respectful and courteous tone throughout your letter.

Write Unique and Personalized Letters: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these simple steps to write your own request letter effectively:

Sample Sentences
  • I appreciated your article on the recent Doe Corporation expansion, but the information you gave was not entirely correct.
  • Last Tuesday your reporter, John Doe, interviewed me about my strategies for next term's election. In his report, he misquoted me.
  • Your article on the new housing developments in Springfield was quite accurate and comprehensive. However, the photo accompanying the article was incorrectly labeled.
  • Your report on our financial institution's profits for this quarter was inaccurate.
  • I found a serious error in your report on current world politics.
  • Your account of our interview on June 30 was erroneous.
  • Your article printed on February 2 on my father's contributions to the community was inaccurate and libelous.
Key Phrases
  • an unfortunate error
  • appreciated your article
  • erroneously stated that
  • has come to my attention
  • have received several calls about
  • information you gave
  • just read your article
  • not entirely correct
  • point out two mistakes
  • quoted me inaccurately
  • read your article
  • reflects on the integrity of
  • report was inaccurate
  • several errors in
  • three glaring errors
  • three serious errors
  • to say the least
  • was misquoted by
  • was seriously misleading
  • was interviewed by
  • was incorrectly labeled
  • your article on

Sample Sentences
  • Our newest location is in Centerville and not Springfield.
  • When Mr. Doe asked me about my position on increased public school funding, I told him that I was not ready to respond. Apparently he felt obligated to answer the question for me.
  • The photo is of the site of our development and not the site of the new school that will be constructed next year.
  • We were up, not down, 3.2 million dollars in deposits from last year.
  • The world conference will not begin for another three to four weeks.
  • Your reporter hinted that my father had been involved in illegal activities, including embezzlement and fraud. These insinuations are completely untrue.
Key Phrases
  • a matter of public record
  • according to your article
  • declined to answer
  • exact words were
  • exactly the opposite is true
  • far from having been
  • got these mixed up
  • have enclosed the correct
  • is completely untrue
  • not what I said at all
  • photograph is of
  • places us in an awkward
  • the truth of the matter
  • the illustration suggests
  • the photo shows
  • this indicates that
  • this implies that
  • what I actually said was
  • while this was extremely flattering
  • your article implies
  • your article states

Sample Sentences
  • Will you make the correction in your next issue?
  • If you will retract the derogatory article and issue an apology, I will not pursue legal action.
  • I request that you make the correction immediately.
  • Kindly make a retraction of this erroneous statement in your next edition.
  • We demand an immediate correction.
  • I trust you understand how important it is that you make the correction immediately.
  • I will appreciate your swift correction.
  • We hope you will act immediately and issue a full retraction.
Key Phrases
  • act immediately to
  • along with an apology
  • an immediate correction
  • as soon as possible
  • be so kind as to
  • expect you to
  • if you act swiftly
  • in your next issue
  • in your next edition
  • is a serious matter, and
  • issue a correction
  • issue a full retraction
  • kindly publish a
  • make a retraction
  • make the correction
  • must insist that
  • request that you
  • retract this immediately
  • trust that you will
  • would appreciate your
  • your swift correction

Sample Sentences
  • Thank you for your cooperation.
  • I appreciate your compliance with this request.
  • Thank you for your prompt response.
  • Thank you for rectifying the situation.
  • Thank you for your attention to this matter.
  • We trust you will take responsibility for this error and we will appreciate your positive response.
  • Your full cooperation in this matter will help eliminate misunderstandings.
Key Phrases
  • a simple misunderstanding
  • appreciate your cooperation
  • everything you can do to
  • do your best to
  • for your prompt response
  • for correcting this error
  • look forward to
  • seeing this cleared up
  • take responsibility for
  • thank you for
  • trust that you will
  • very much appreciate
  • will be much appreciated
  • your positive response
  • your attention to this matter
  • your compliance with
  • your cooperation in this matter
  • your assistance in this

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