The following outlines how Mustang Media Group will handle requests to remove, correct or alter published articles or names. Article changes are only made in rare cases, generally those involving factual inaccuracies.
Our organization is dedicated to balancing journalistic integrity, legal considerations and the interests of those named in our coverage.
Guiding Principles
Accuracy and transparency: MMG is committed to accurate reporting and transparency in our editorial process. Errors will be corrected promptly and visibly on our website with an editor’s note.
Editorial independence: We do not remove or alter content solely because it is embarrassing or inconvenient to those named, provided the content was accurate and newsworthy at the time of publication.
Legal & ethical standards: We comply with applicable laws and follow SPJ’s journalistic code of ethics.
Responding to takedown requests
When a request is received to remove or alter an article or a person’s name, the following process will be followed:
- Initial assessment
- Was the information accurate and newsworthy at the time of publication?
- Is the request for full takedown, correction, or an update?
- Does the request involve legal or ethical concerns?
- Grounds for correction, redaction or removal
We will consider the following grounds for action:
- Factual inaccuracy
- Legal requirements
- Demonstrated harm
Review process for alteration requests
MMG is committed to a thorough and collaborative review process for all incoming requests. Each submission undergoes careful consideration by our team of experienced editors, who bring their expertise to bear on the content. Concurrently, we consult with our trusted network of advisers, drawing upon their specialized knowledge and diverse perspectives to inform our assessment.
The editor-in-chief holds the ultimate authority in rendering a final decision, a determination made after weighing insights and recommendations provided by both the editorial team and our external advisers. We understand the importance of timely communication, and you can expect to receive a detailed response regarding your request within 5 to 7 business days.
Procedures and actions MMG can take
- De-indexing: If removal is not justified but privacy concerns remain, we may consider deindexing the article from search engines as a compromise.
- Redactions/anonymity: In cases involving minors or compelling privacy concerns, we may redact names or identifying details while preserving the article’s integrity.
- Full takedown: Removal of entire articles will be considered only in exceptional circumstances, such as legal mandates or proven, ongoing harm that outweighs the public interest in the content.
All of these actions will result in an editor’s note at the top of the article with a timestamp and an explanation for the changes made.
[ex]
Editor’s Note, 5/20 10:38 a.m.: The identity of a source in this story has been withheld to protect them from potential retaliation by their employer.
Running list of requests
If you would like to request the removal or modification of an article that mentions you or involves your participation, please let us know by completing this form.
References Student Press Law Center and National Scholastic Press Association recommend that takedown requests be considered carefully, with removal reserved for rare, compelling cases.