In the past, some of our corrections were more confusing, Christie said. They didn t really clear up the error. Inside the front page remains a favored spot nationwide to set the record straight. A2, you have to admit, is pretty good play, said Paul Martin, assistant managing editor of The Wall Street Journal in New York. Until about 20 years ago, the Journal ran corrections anywhere there was space. Then, like other newspapers, the Journal opted for consistency.
Some papers underscore their interest in accuracy.
Along with a statement that the News policy is to promptly acknowledge and correct errors, a special phone number is given. Patrick Dougherty, editor of the Daily News, said this ensures such calls don t get lost in the everyday hubbub. Newspapers get into trouble by mishandling peoples concerns about what s in the paper, Dougherty said, blowing them off, not taking them seriously, not being appropriately apologetic if we indeed made a mistake. Sometimes that s the front page. Content is as crucial.