USA TODAY pulls reporter’s stories after audit

The editor’s note below appeared online Thursday shortly before a meeting with the staff of USA TODAY was held to discuss this issue.

After receiving an external correction request, USA TODAY audited the reporting work of Gabriela Miranda. The audit revealed that some individuals quoted were not affiliated with the organizations claimed and appeared to be fabricated. The existence of other individuals quoted could not be independently verified. In addition, some stories included quotes that should have been credited to others.

As a result, USA TODAY removed 23 articles from its website and other platforms for not meeting our editorial standards. Miranda has resigned as a reporter for USA TODAY and the USA TODAY Network. We strive to be accurate and factual in all our content and regret this situation. We will continue to reinforce and strengthen our reporting and editing diligence and processes as we:

● Improve our process for those who want to lodge complaints or request corrections.

● Ensure stories have clear and sufficient identifying information for individuals quoted.

● Ensure that reporters take appropriate steps at all times to verify source information.

● Ensure that institutions are contacted to provide a response or statement if they are referenced in the story.

● Apply additional scrutiny to sources found through blind connections on social media platforms, via email, etc.

● Reinforce our standards for crediting other outlets for their work.

A list of the headlines can be found at usatoday.com.