Some errors are too serious for a simple correction. A retraction is a formal public withdrawal of a story, claim, or allegation that a news organization no longer stands behind.

Retractions are issued when the central thrust of a report is found to be false or unjustified, not merely when minor details are wrong. They are usually prominent, explicit, and accompanied by an explanation of what failed. Legal settlements sometimes require retractions as part of resolving defamation claims.

Issuing a retraction is painful for a newsroom’s pride and credibility, yet refusing to retract a fundamentally flawed story does greater long-term damage. Transparent retractions, though rare, demonstrate that standards still govern the work even after publication.

• Formal withdrawal of a published story or claim
• Used when the core report is untenable
• Should be clear, prominent, and explained
• Distinct from routine corrections of detail