When the article “Recycling to update sorting methods” ran last week, it took only a few hours before the Emerald was notified that the story was altogether wrong.
As mistakes are noticed, internally or externally, the Emerald does all it can to fix the error and ensure it doesn’t happen again. When Emerald staff members make large errors, such as spelling someone’s name wrong or distorting a vital fact, the newspaper prints a correction (usually on Page 3).
When the story is completely inaccurate, however, it is even more pressing that the wrong be made right. In this instance, I immediately took the story off the Emerald’s Web site to prevent more readers from being misinformed. I talked with Environmental Resource and Recycling Program Manager Karyn Kaplan to find out the proper facts. And I made the decision that — although Kaplan had sent out e-mails to properly inform the campus community and had said she felt the situation was resolved — the mistake had to be addressed in the same way it had been originally presented.
Today, on the same day of the week and in the same place on Page 1, the Emerald acknowledges that it grossly misinformed readers. For that we truly apologize.
The Emerald has a rigorous policy to prevent such situations from occurring. All names, facts and quotes are marked with a “CQ,” meaning the reporter has double-checked the facts. A story is then read by the assigning editor and the managing editor or myself to check content and clarity. A copy editor and a copy chief later read the article to triple-check “CQs” and assess grammar and style.
In this instance, the same precautions were taken but to no avail. A lack of proper terminology on behalf of the Emerald created confusion, and some facts were simply wrong. At best, the reader was confused by the article. At worst, the reader was misinformed.
It is the job of the media to educate readers with relevant and correct information. A newspaper without accuracy is without value. Likewise, a newspaper that refuses to acknowledge its mistakes is without credibility.
We at the Emerald strive for accuracy and credibility. We very much want to be considered a worthwhile addition to this campus. And we want you to be able to trust and rely on us.
On behalf of the Emerald, I apologize to you, the reader. Every effort is being taken to ensure such mistakes do not happen again.