Five Ways to Handle A Mistake in Your Story

Your story is finally published or has made it on the air.

This is your moment of shining glory. Except.

The reporter made a mistake. So...now what? Do nothing and hope no one heard? Call the reporter and give them a piece of your mind?

The answer, quite simply, is neither option.

We've talked about how you can help reporters avoid mistakes before but let's talk damage control after it actually happens. Proceed with caution, though, because you should use these tips if there is an actual error or facts are misconstrued; NOT just because you didn't like how your quotes sounded.

1. Don't panic. It's not the end of the world. Assess the severity of the error and how it may impact your business or organization going forward. Make sure you calm done before you proceed to the next step, which is...
2. Contact the reporter. Be civil. Make sure you are able to articulate exactly what the error was and the subsequent correction or distinction you believe should be made.
3. Ask what your options are. Some publications or outlets will publish/air a retraction or correction, depending on the error. If you believe the reporter simply misunderstood or took a quote out of context, ask if you can write a letter to the editor explaining the issue. If it's broadcast, ask if they will consider a brief phone call to let you clear things up. 
4. Clarify on your website or social media. Worst case scenario, the outlets don't see an issue. You still have your own ways to publicize your stance. You may still share the link to the story, but with an addendum that says you want to clarify, correct or add to a certain point. Also, if it's a common misconception, you may want to take the opportunity to rephrase a certain point for your organization or business and invite feedback and discussion via Facebook or Twitter. Perhaps this is an image issue that you didn't even realize you had.
5. Don't bash the reporter. Try to remember that it isn't personal and everyone has a job to do. Even if you and the media outlet don't see eye to eye on the higher, take the higher road and don't burn bridges.

The moral of the story? Mistakes and misunderstandings happen. Respond to them and use them to make your next interview even better.

Bridgette Outten is a journalist and media consultant with The Write Vision Group, Inc. With a background in print media, she has written thousands of articles for newspapers and online publications. At The Write Vision Group, Bridgette consults with nonprofits and small businesses about how to get their programs and efforts in the news. Meanwhile, she blogs on all things journalism.