Last Updated: August 07, 2002
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A staff committee at the
St. Paul Pioneer Press made accuracy checks a part of its “How-to Guide” for
all staff members. Checklists designed to be taped to desks or computers list
accuracy checks as well as practical steps for different jobs. For example,
the list for reporters includes these steps:
Fill out and send detailed
budget line to editor early in the day if possible.
Photo, graphic assigned?
Are the five W’s and H
answered in story? Is the story balanced?
Call sources to verify
details and quotes as needed.
Double-check facts and
math.
Double-check spellings
of proper names and titles with sources.
Optional trims marked?
Byline, tagline in place?
For night events and reviews,
call copy editor.
Make printout to take home.
