We all make mistakes

At Brunswick Voice, we will strive to correct errors of fact in a timely manner

IT’S no secret that trust in journalism has been falling for years, and a large part of the reason for that is the failure/refusal of media organisations to acknowledge, correct and apologise for mistakes.

Even when a correction is made or an apology issued, it is often done so begrudgingly and long after the original error was made, allowing misinformation to spread and compounding the hurt for the victim of the mistake.

It reeks of arrogance and contempt for the very same audiences the media are supposed to serve.

Here at Brunswick Voice, we will strive to correct and/or clarify in a timely fashion any genuine errors of fact by complying with the MEAA Journalist Code of Ethics, which states: “Do your utmost to achieve fair correction of errors.” If we publish a correction, this will be acknowledged at the bottom of the article.

We’re all human, we all make mistakes and journalists are no different. Even the esteemed British Guardian newspaper was once so riddled with spelling and grammatical errors that it was nicknamed ‘The Grauniad’.

One of its best ever apologies by The Guardian was made in 2003 to Sir Jack Hayward, chairman of the Wolverhampton Wanderers football club, after he was quoted in the paper as saying: “Our team was the worst in the First Division and I’m sure it’ll be the worst in the Premier League”.

As the correction published a few days later stated: “Sir Jack had just declined the offer of a hot drink. What he actually said was ‘Our tea was the worst in the First Division and I’m sure it’ll be the worst in the Premier League.’ Profuse apologies.”

Now, hopefully we won’t ever publish a misquote as bad as that, but if we do, you can be assured we’ll apologise for it also.

If you believe we have made an error of fact, please contact us at brunswickvoice@ozemail.com.au

“Facts are sacred, but comment is free.” — C.P. Scott

BUT if you simply disagree with something we have published which is factually correct but contradicts your own viewpoint, then bad luck.

We believe in free speech and freedom of expression — as long as it does not vilify or defame someone or can be categorised as hate speech.

As the famous quote commonly attributed to Voltaire goes: I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.

We would be doing everyone a disservice if we avoided constructive criticism simply so no-one ever gets upset with us. Surely we can have differences of opinion and debate them in a civil and respectful manner. And no-one should be immune from criticism.

So here’s our corrections policy in short: if we’ve made a genuine error of fact, contact us and we’ll fix it.

But if all we’ve done is publish something you don’t agree with, bad luck.