The Archive Ethics ProjectPreserve the record. Reconsider the reach.

Living with an old story

Draft your request

Answer a few questions and we'll put together a short, respectful letter you can edit and send yourself. It opens with the newsroom's own published policy, in its own words, when the Policy Atlas has it. Then it says plainly what has changed, asks for one specific change, and can add research showing how newsroom standards are evolving.

Private by design. Everything below runs in your browser. Nothing you type is saved or sent to us; the only thing we look up is the newsroom's name, in the Policy Atlas. This isn't legal advice, and we can't take up individual cases or contact a newsroom for you.

1. The newsroom
Start typing to look it up in the Policy Atlas, or just type the name.
2. The story
As exactly as you know it: "2014", "June 2014" or "June 3, 2014".
3. What has changed since

Choose the one that's documented. These are different legal outcomes, and the letter keeps them separate.

4. How it affects you now
For example: "The story is the first result when employers search my name." Keep it factual; you don't need to share more than you want to.
5. What you're asking for

One request works best. They're listed from smallest to largest; smaller ones are often easier to say yes to.

6. Supporting context (optional)

Context, not leverage. These are published research and statements from newsrooms and journalism groups. They show how standards are evolving; they don't oblige any newsroom to do anything, and the letter says so. Use them to support your request, never to pressure or shame. One or two is plenty.

Up to 3.

7. Finishing touches
A phone number or email address, if it isn't the one you'll send from.

Your letter

It updates as you answer. Edit anything you like before you send it.

Open in email app

Before you send

  • Find the right address on the newsroom's own site: a standards or corrections editor, a request form, or the editor in chief.
  • Check every sentence is true and that you can show it if asked.
  • Don't attach court records or other sensitive documents to a first email. Offer them, and share them if the newsroom asks.
  • Send it once, to one person. If you don't hear back in a few weeks, a short, polite follow-up is fine.
  • If the answer is no, the letter already asks for the reasons and an appeal. A new development can justify asking again. More in the guide.