Hoggan PR Tip #25: Set the Record Straight

If your company's spokesperson is misquoted or a news story contains serious errors, correct them.

Call or write the reporter directly.

Be courteous - don't blame or scold - but be firm in asking for a correction, even if that means moving on to senior editors or producers with your complaint.

Also, ask that the Internet versions of the story be updated or removed. It is important to ensure the error does not pop up in future stories about your company. That said, don't expect the correction to receive the same prominence as the original story. Except in the rarest of circumstances, they never will.

This is part of an ongoing series of practical public relations tips taken from Jim Hoggan’s book, Do the Right Thing: PR tips for a skeptical public.

See all the tips Jim has posted so far on this page here: Jim Hoggan’s PR Tips Series.