It is not easy to admit your own fault. It is human nature to be defensive when a complaint is being filed against you. But then, if you know that it is your fault, you should admit it and make a correction.

A journalist’s duty is to tell the truth and nothing but the truth. It is a settled rule that a writer should base his story on facts and not on inconclusive evidence.

Hurting the feelings of another person is really bad but if you admit your fault and make another article correcting it, surely you have redeemed yourself. It takes a lot of courage to admit that you are wrong but you very well know that it has to be done.

Here is an example of a letter responding to a complaint while admitting your own fault and making a correction.

Sample:

June 21, 2010

Laura Lei
2345 Antioch Drive
Queens, NY 02345

Dear Laura,

In response to the your complaint filed against me in a case of Libel, my intention was very clear and that is to bring out the true facts of what really transpired during that incident without the slightest feeling of hurting your feelings. I am saddened when I received the complaint against me and that I caused you embarrassment and besmirched your reputation.

I am really sorry for not checking out the facts before I printed the article. I know that it is my duty as a journalist to get the two sides of the coin but I only based my news reporting on one side. It was entirely my fault. I have not been responsible enough in the discharge of my duties.

In order to make it up to you, I am willing to print another article and this time I would take your side of the story. If you would allow me to do an interview with you, I would be more than willing to do it right away. If you want, we can start the interview right away so I could bring it to my editor for it to be printed. I am really sorry to causing you pain. I want to rectify my mistakes and I promise not to commit the same wrong again.

Sincerely yours,

Henry Gord