How to Request a Media Retraction or Correction: 13 Letter Templates & Examples
Letter #1: Request for Retraction of False Claims
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
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
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
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
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
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
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]
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
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
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
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
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
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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