What happens when the news media gets it wrong? - Poynter

A pilot program tests whether a public editor analyzing local coverage can increase audience trust and media literacy. A news outlet published event details before an organizer’s embargo date, reporting that the Circle City Classic would feature high school teams and other changes. The organizer, Indiana Black Expo, had embargoed the information until May 9, but the outlet published it on May 5. The outlet’s editor later addressed the mistake in a column and podcast, acknowledging that the announcement went out before funders, sponsors, and participants were ready. The editor said readers valued candor and gained insight into newsroom operations. The piece also notes that journalism can include many kinds of errors, including those caused by bad information or assumptions.

"Earlier this month, the Indianapolis Business Journal published a news story too early. They reported that this year's Circle City Classic football event will feature high school teams rather than college teams as well as other changes. But the organizer, the Indiana Black Expo, embargoed the news until May 9. The IBJ published it on May 5."

"It's impossible to produce journalism without making mistakes. One way news consumers can judge the professionalism of a newsroom is by looking at what journalists do to fix their mistakes. In this case, IBJ announced the changes before the Indiana Black Expo, its funders, event sponsors, and participants were ready to share the news."

"Lesley Weidenbener, IBJ editor and assistant publisher, addressed the mistake in a column and podcast. IBJ risked their credibility with Indiana Black Expo and other local news media by reporting the announcement too early. After addressing the mistake, Weidenbener said she received a lot of feedback from readers who valued her candor."

""I think readers absolutely appreciate getting a little insight into how a newsroom works," she said. "And even when you're having to admit something that you've done wrong, it provides people that window that I think increases our credibility.""

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