Journalism norms

Right of reply

opportunity to comment · no comment

Definition

Right of reply is the chance to answer an adverse claim before or after publication. Many desks offer a comment window. It is not a veto. “No comment” is a reply, and it photographs badly.

Use the window. A tight on-the-record paragraph with a fact beats a two-hour legal maze that misses deadline.

How it works

Ask when they need the line, who is on the record, and what the specific claim is. Answer that claim. Do not dump a 1,200-word backgrounder at 6:59 p.m. for a 7:00 close.

Worked example

Reporter: “We plan to say the plant failed a 2024 inspection.” You send the 2025 pass and a named VP in 25 minutes. The story still runs; the sentence now includes the pass. That is reply working.

How it differs

A correction is after the error prints. A retraction is rare. Reply is the comment chance. Off the record is the wrong tool in this window — you want on the record facts in the piece.

Common errors

Missing the window then screaming. “No comment” on a factual, checkable claim. Demanding to see the whole draft as a condition of comment (some desks will, many will not).

Sources