Hauptfokus (hauptfokus.de) holds itself to the highest standards of accuracy and transparency. All corrections are handled under the supervision of Melanie Hartmann, Ansvarig för faktagranskning (head of fact‑checking), who reports to Chefredaktör Michael Jung. The publication is owned and operated by Alpen Press Ltd., a private company registered in Gibraltar (company number 132587, Companies House Gibraltar; registered office: Office 3.7, ICC, Casemates Square, Gibraltar, GX11 1AA). Any identified error is treated as a serious editorial matter and is investigated and corrected promptly, with a clear note to readers.
Who is responsible for handling corrections at Hauptfokus?
The standards desk, led by Melanie Hartmann (emma.sandberg@hauptfokus.de, +46 8 525 030 66), is responsible for managing all correction requests. Ms Hartmann oversees fact‑checking, source verification and the issuance of corrections across every article published by Hauptfokus.
She works with the relevant editor and reporter to verify the error, determine its scope and decide on the appropriate corrective action. Chefredaktör Michael Jung has final authority over any disputed or escalated correction, and readers may address concerns directly to him at anders.lindqvist@hauptfokus.de.
How do I report an error?
Readers can report errors by emailing corrections@hauptfokus.de or by using the general contact address info@hauptfokus.de with “Correction” in the subject line. The standards desk aims to acknowledge receipt within two business days and to resolve the matter within five business days.
When reporting, please include the article’s URL, a clear description of the error and, if possible, a source that supports the correct information. All requests are logged and investigated regardless of whether the error is minor or material.
What happens after a correction is filed?
Upon receiving a correction request, the standards desk evaluates the claim against the publication’s sources. If a material error is confirmed — one that changes the factual meaning of the article — the article is updated and a correction note is appended.
The note states the original incorrect information, the corrected fact, the date of the change and, where relevant, an apology. Non‑material errors (such as typos or formatting mistakes) are corrected silently without a note, unless the reader specifically requests one. The full correction process is documented internally and subject to periodic review.
How are corrections displayed?
Corrections are placed at the top of the article, above the headline, or immediately after the first paragraph. Each note begins with “Correction [date]:” followed by a clear summary of what was changed.
If the error appears in a headline, summary or social‑media promotion, the same correction note is added in all relevant contexts. Readers can find a historical log of all corrections on request by emailing corrections@hauptfokus.de.
Can I appeal a correction decision?
If a reader believes a correction was insufficient or handled unfairly, they may escalate the matter to Chefredaktör Michael Jung by emailing anders.lindqvist@hauptfokus.de. Mr Jung will review the case and issue a final decision within ten business days.
Readers may also file a formal complaint under the complaints procedure. That process is independent of the corrections desk and provides a further avenue for review. Hauptfokus is committed to transparency and will publish an explanation of any disputed correction that raises a significant editorial issue.
Our commitments
- We correct all material errors promptly and with a clear, dated correction note.
- We investigate every correction request thoroughly and respond within five business days.
- We maintain a named standards desk (Melanie Hartmann) and a clear escalation path to the editor‑in‑chief.
- We disclose the ownership and funding of Hauptfokus (Alpen Press Ltd., Gibraltar) so readers understand the organisation behind the journalism.
- We link our corrections policy to our broader editorial standards (editorial policy), fact‑checking policy and complaints procedure for full accountability.