Right of Reply
Our Commitment
Knelstrom is committed to fair, accurate and responsible journalism.
Where our reporting contains significant criticism, allegations or statements that may affect the reputation of an identifiable individual or organisation, we recognise that they may wish to respond.
Our Right of Reply Policy explains how such requests are considered.
Our Principle
A right of reply is an important part of fair journalism. It allows those who are the subject of significant reporting to present their response or provide additional context.
A request for a right of reply does not automatically mean that an article was inaccurate or that a correction is required.
Before Publication
Where appropriate, practical, and in the public interest, Knelstrom will seek comment from individuals or organisations before publishing material that contains significant criticism or allegations.
The opportunity to comment may be provided by:
- email;
- telephone;
- written correspondence; or
- Another reasonable method of contact.
If no response is received within the available reporting timeframe, we may proceed with publication, noting that a comment was sought or that no response was received.
Requesting a Right of Reply
If you believe you have been directly affected by material published by Knelstrom, you may request a right of reply through our Contact page.
Please include:
- your name and organisation (if applicable);
- the article title or web address;
- the section of the article you are responding to;
- The factual basis for your response;
- any supporting evidence.
Requests should normally be made as soon as reasonably possible after publication.
How We Consider Requests
Each request is assessed individually.
When reviewing a request, we may consider:
- whether the applicant is directly affected;
- whether the article raises significant issues concerning them;
- whether the response contains verifiable information;
- whether publication would assist readers’ understanding of the matter;
- the public interest.
Editorial decisions remain the responsibility of the Editor.
Forms of Reply
Where appropriate, a right of reply may take one or more of the following forms:
- updating the original article;
- adding a statement from the affected individual or organisation;
- publishing a follow-up article;
- publishing a clarification;
- Publishing a separate response where editorially appropriate.
The format chosen will depend on the circumstances of each case.
Limitations
Knelstrom will not normally publish responses that:
- are defamatory or unlawful;
- contain abusive, threatening or discriminatory language;
- are knowingly false or misleading;
- are unrelated to the subject of the original article;
- consist primarily of advertising or promotional material.
Responses may be edited for clarity, length, grammar or legal compliance while preserving their intended meaning.
Opinion Articles
Opinion and commentary published in the Dispatches section represent the views of the author.
A disagreement with an author’s opinion does not, by itself, create an automatic entitlement to publication.
However, where an opinion piece contains significant factual assertions affecting identifiable individuals or organisations, requests for a right of reply will be considered in accordance with this policy.
Corrections
A right of reply is separate from a correction.
If a factual error is identified, it will be considered under our Corrections Policy.
Where appropriate, both a correction and a right of reply may be published.
Editorial Independence
All decisions regarding the publication, format and timing of a right of reply are made independently by the Editor.
Knelstrom remains committed to publishing fair and accurate journalism while maintaining editorial independence and the public interest.
Our Commitment to Fairness
We believe responsible journalism requires both accountability and openness to legitimate responses.
We aim to report fairly, correct genuine errors promptly and provide an appropriate opportunity for those directly affected by our reporting to have their voices heard.