NPR Corrections Policy
corrections@npr.org
NPR corrects significant errors in broadcast and online reports. Corrections of errors will be made in audio archives, written transcripts and on the Web site.
2008 Corrections
July 24, 2008:
'Honeyboy,' A Living Link To The Birth Of The Blues
All Things Considered, July 19, 2008
The story refers to a recording made in Clarksburg, Mississippi in 1942. It was actually Clarksdale, Mississippi.
July 23, 2008:
Polygamist Jeffs Indicted On Child Assault Charges
Morning Edition, July 23, 2008
In this story, we said, "Jeffs is also facing legal action in Arizona for allegedly sexually assaulting a child." In fact, he is charged with being an accomplice to sexual misconduct with a minor.
July 22, 2008:
Zimbabwe's Billion-Dollar Bill Nearly Worthless
Weekend Edition Saturday, July 19, 2008
The story includes two inconsistent exchange rates between the U.S. and Zimbabwe currencies. If 50 billion Zimbabwe dollars are worth 33 U.S. cents, then 1.2 quadrillion Zimbabwean dollars would be worth $8,000.
July 22, 2008:
Obama's World Tour Stops In Afghanistan
Weekend Edition Sunday, July 20, 2008
In this interview, we say the Victory Column in Berlin is topped with a statue of a "gold angel." It is actually a statue of the Goddess of Victory.
July 21, 2008:
Championship Wrestling, Nubian-Style
Weekend Edition Saturday, July 19, 2008
The story refers to the World Wrestling Federation. The organization has changed its name. It is now the WWE: World Wrestling Entertainment.
July 21, 2008:
'Mamma Mia!' Revisits The Greek Wedding
All Things Considered, July 18, 2008
The introduction to this story says that the musical has been "a hit on Broadway since 1999." It opened in London in 1999, and on Broadway in 2001.
July 21, 2008:
Black Veteran Takes Issue with Eastwood's Films
Tell Me More, June 18, 2008
The introduction to this story says the 85-year-old former Marine sergeant was 40 in 1945. He was actually 22.
July 18, 2008:
Medical Group Apologizes To Black Doctors
Day to Day, July 10, 2008
In this interview, we said, "Back in 1980, when Margaret Heckler was Secretary of HHS, she produced a report and one of the findings there was that it was clear that a commonness between the provider and the patient often impacted in a positive way on the outcome." In fact, Heckler became Secretary of HHS in 1983, and issued the report in 1984.
July 17, 2008:
'Wide Open' British Open: Injuries Narrow The Field
Morning Edition, July 17, 2008
In this interview, we explained Kenny Perry's absence from the British Open by saying he was "home, with his feet up." In fact, Perry is playing at the U.S. Bank Championship in Milwaukee.
July 17, 2008:
Video Released Of Guantanamo Interrogation
All Things Considered, July 15, 2008
In this interview we said, "[Khadr] hasn't been accused of war crimes or anything like that. He's accused of throwing a hand grenade at a soldier in a combat situation." In fact, the U.S. government has accused Khadr of a war crime -- not specifically for what he is alleged to have done, but because he allegedly did it on behalf of al-Qaida.
July 17, 2008:
Doldrums Lift For Financial Stocks
Morning Edition, July 17, 2008
We misidentified the bank that reported surprisingly strong earnings. It was Wells Fargo, not Wachovia.
July 15, 2008:
Baghdad Officials Fear Outbreaks From Dirty Water
Weekend Edition Sunday, July 13, 2008
The audio version of this story -- and an earlier Web version -- mistakenly said Iraqis had contracted Hepatitis B from tainted water. In fact, the Hepatitis B virus is not spread by contaminated food or water. We should have said "Hepatitis A." Also, the Iraqi Health Ministry official interviewed for this story was misidentified as "Dr. Fathil al-Hadawi." The correct name is Dr. Fadhil al-Mehdawi, Director of Community Medicine at the Ministry of Health in Baghdad.
July 11, 2008:
Most Patients Happy With German Health Care
All Things Considered, July 3, 2008
In an interview, we said, "And when Germany became a nation in the 1880s, one of the first big things that the government did was to unite all of these what they call sickness funds into one system." In fact, Germany became a nation in 1871.
July 11, 2008:
Photo Of Iran's Missile Launch Was Manipulated
Morning Edition, July 11, 2008
In some broadcasts, we did not note that the Web site Little Green Footballs had posted an item Wednesday evening declaring that the photograph of the Iranian missile launch had been doctored — before The New York Times published its analysis Thursday morning.
July 10, 2008:
Using Online Social Sites To Boost Carpooling
Morning Edition, July 10, 2008
The story incorrectly identified a social networking Web site. We should have identified the site as GoLoco.org.
July 10, 2008:
Teen 'Troll' Rolled Joints With Bridge Tolls, Police Say
Morning Edition, July 10, 2008
This story, which we presented as recent news, turned out to be two years old.
July 9, 2008:
McCain, Obama Court Hispanics
All Things Considered, July 8, 2008
In an interview, we said, "There are probably more Hispanics, proportionally, fighting in Iraq than any other ethnic group." That assertion was unsubstantiated. While the military doesn't provide a specific breakdown for Iraq, according to the Department of Defense, Hispanics are actually under-represented in the active forces as a whole, compared to their numbers in the civilian population.
July 8, 2008:
Spain Revels In Sports Wins
All Things Considered, July 7, 2008
The question beginning, "If I walked through the middle of town in Barcelona or Lisbon today..." mistakenly implied that Lisbon is in Spain. It is in Portugal.
July 7, 2008:
Are Candidates' Policy Changes Flip-Flops?
Weekend Edition Saturday, July 5, 2008
In some broadcasts, we incorrectly referred to FISA as the "Federal Intelligence Security Act." In fact, FISA stands for Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.
July 7, 2008:
Disaster Tests Local Chinese Congregation's Faith
All Things Considered, May 19, 2008
Our story made reference to a reading from the Book of Genesis and the destruction of Sodom. We mistakenly said Sodom was spared. In fact, in Genesis 19 (King James Version), it says, "Then the Lord rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven; and he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground."
July 3, 2008:
Oil Prices Squeeze Pentagon's Budget
Morning Edition, July 1, 2008
In our report on how soaring fuel prices are hitting the Pentagon, we quoted Lt. Col. Brian Maka, who said, "Well, generally a $1 increase in the price of a barrel of oil on the open market translates into an increase for the whole department of $130 million." We then made a math error, suggesting that the recent $50-a-barrel rise in oil prices has cost the Pentagon over half a billion dollars. In fact, if a $1 increase in a barrel of oil translates into $130 million in additional costs, then an immediate $50 increase would translate into $6.5 billion in costs. However, since the price of oil rose $50 a barrel over a period of months, the Pentagon's actual cost increases are likely to fall somewhere between the two extremes.
July 3, 2008:
Climbers Reclaim World Record On El Capitan
Morning Edition, July 3, 2008
The Web text for this story initially stated (incorrectly) that it was former U.S. president Warren Harding (Nov. 2, 1865-Aug. 2, 1923) who first climbed El Capitan. In fact, it was Yosemite climbing legend Warren Harding, who died in 2002.
July 3, 2008:
Newspapers Make Cuts At Home, Hire Abroad
Morning Edition, July 2, 2008
In early broadcasts of the program, the introduction to this story suggested that the San Jose Mercury News, the Tampa Tribune and the Minneapolis Star Tribune were part of the McClatchy chain of newspapers. They are not.
July 2, 2008:
Ultra-Rich Collectors Help Keep Art Market Afloat
Morning Edition, June 25, 2008
We incorrectly stated: "Last month, a work by Lucien Freud fetched more than $33 million, the most paid for a work by a living artist." We should have said it was the most paid for such a work at auction. The Jasper Johns painting False Start sold for $80 million in 2006.
July 1, 2008:
Political Hot Topic: U.S. Trade With Colombia
Morning Edition, July 1, 2008
We mistakenly said that Colombia's economy is the size of Hollywood, Fla. In fact, the economic impact on the U.S. of trade with Colombia is about the size of the economy of Hollywood, Fla.
June 30, 2008:
Thousands Protest in Paris Against Iran
All Things Considered, June 28, 2008
We mistakenly identified the leader of the People's Mujahedeen of Iran as Maryam Rajani. The correct name is Maryam Rajavi.
June 30, 2008:
Senior Love on the Big Screen: 'Elsa and Fred'
All Things Considered, June 29, 2008
On the first broadcast of the show, we named the wrong actress in the movie Elsa and Fred. We said the actress was Virna Lisi, when it in fact it was Anita Ekberg.
June 30, 2008:
Failure to End War Grates on House Speaker Pelosi
Morning Edition, June 18, 2008
The audio for this story incorrectly describes House speaker Nancy Pelosi as "a chief backer of the war funding." In fact, Speaker Pelosi voted against the Iraq war spending bill.
June 3, 2008:
Mostly Female Crowds Make 'Sex and the City' No. 1
Morning Edition, June 2, 2008
The audio for this story incorrectly attributes the final quote to Irina Smotrich. In fact, it is Jessica Vogel who says, "A lot of [shows and movies] focus on the men, and the relationships with the women and the friendships is always a side story. This, because it's been going on so long, the men have come and gone, the drinks have come and gone, the random nights have come and gone, but the friendships have always been there the whole time."
May 15, 2008:
Charlie Brown: Authenticity and Honesty
Weekend Edition Saturday, May 10, 2008
In the broadcast version of this story, we stated, "The Apollo 10 astronauts even named their command module 'Charlie Brown,' and the lunar rover 'Snoopy.' It may be telling that Charlie got to orbit the moon, but Snoopy landed there, while Charlie just circled in darkness." The modules were named "Charlie Brown" and "Snoopy," but neither landed on the moon. It's also incorrect to describe Snoopy as a "lunar rover." The correct term is "lunar module."
May 5, 2008:
Coots Overstaying Welcome in Calif. Neighborhood
All Things Considered, May 2, 2008
This story incorrectly referred to a Canada goose as a Canadian goose.
April 30, 2008:
Chinese Composer Gives 'Turandot' a Fresh Finale
All Things Considered, April 29, 2008
In the broadcast version of this story, we erroneously stated that Turandot is "the only Western opera set in China." There are at least three others.
April 10, 2008:
Tibet Crisis Impacts China's Olympics
Weekend Edition Sunday, March 30, 2008
A version of Daniel Schorr's commentary heard on early feeds of the March 30 show incorrectly stated that two Israelis were killed during the Munich Olympics in 1972. In fact, 11 Israelis were killed.
April 8, 2008:
California Company Develops Plug-In Hybrid
Morning Edition, April 7, 2008
In the broadcast version of this report, and in an earlier version of the story published online, engineering professor Dan Sperling was misidentified.
March 31, 2008:
Pa. Independents Are Obama's Primary Concern
All Things Considered, March 24, 2008
In this story, a voter suggests that the Rev. Jeremiah Wright has made anti-gay comments. NPR has not been able to find any evidence that Wright made such comments. Wright has supported the ordination of gay clergy. He also started a singles group for gay and lesbian members at his church. Our story should have acknowledged this.
March 27, 2008:
Long Duk Dong: Last of the Hollywood Stereotypes?
All Things Considered, March 24, 2008
In the original version of this story, a quote from Martin Wong was incorrectly attributed. Both the audio and text on the story page have been corrected.
March 12, 2008:
Database Key in Restoring New Orleans
All Things Considered, March 11, 2008
The original broadcast of the story included an inaccurate total of the number of homes in the Broadmoor neighborhood in New Orleans. There are 2,400 homes, not 7,000. There are 7,000 residents who lived in Broadmoor before Hurricane Katrina.
Feb. 16, 2008:
In our newscast at 9:30 a.m. ET on Feb. 14, the phrase "dark continent" was used by one of our newscasters in reference to President Bush's trip to Africa. This was totally inappropriate and offensive, and we apologize for allowing such an antiquated and pejorative term to air.
Feb. 7, 2008:
Study Challenges Blood-Sugar Control for Diabetics
All Things Considered, Feb. 6, 2008
In the broadcast version of this story, a source was misidentified. James Dove is the president of the American College of Cardiology.
Feb. 4, 2008:
Presidential Contenders Push for Last-Minute Votes
All Things Considered, Feb. 3, 2008
In the broadcast version of this story, we incorrectly stated that New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson had made an endorsement. The former Democratic presidential hopeful has not endorsed a candidate. The audio has been edited to correct the error.
Jan. 19, 2008:
Nevada Next Battleground for Clinton, Obama
Weekend Edition Saturday, Jan. 12, 2008
When this story was first published on Saturday, Jan. 12, on npr.org, it included an inaccurate headline. The story looked at the situation in Nevada regarding the Democratic caucuses to be held there one week later. The headline said John Edwards had dropped out of the Democratic caucuses in Nevada. This was not true. He had not dropped out. The story had reported he was concentrating his resources on South Carolina, his birth state and a more important part of his strategy, leaving Nevada essentially a two-person race. Subsequently, Edwards added more events to his schedule in Nevada.
Jan. 18, 2008:
China Limits Web Videos After Adultery Accusation
Day to Day, Jan. 14, 2008
In the broadcast version of this story, we incorrectly state that China is implementing new restrictions on cell phone videos. The restrictions are actually being placed on Internet videos.
Jan. 17, 2008:
A Dominican Guitar Legend's Historic Debut
All Things Considered, Jan. 14, 2008
In the broadcast version of this review, we incorrectly call Santiago the capital of the Dominican Republic. While Santiago is one of the country's largest cities, the capital is Santo Domingo.
Jan. 17, 2008:
Bush Falls Short of Progress on Mideast Goals
All Things Considered, Jan. 14, 2008
In the broadcast version of this commentary, Daniel Schorr referred to a human rights activist having trouble delivering a petition to the American Embassy in the United Arab Emirates. According to The Washington Post, which reported the story, the incident occurred in Bahrain, not the United Arab Emirates.
Jan. 16, 2008:
Lassie: The Perfect Dog Sets High Bar for Real Pups
Morning Edition, Jan. 7, 2008
In the broadcast version of this report, we said that Lassie creator Eric Knight was killed in action during World War II. Knight, a major in the U.S. Army, died in January 1943, when a military transport crashed off the South American coast, killing 35.
2007 Corrections
Dec. 20, 2007:
Lacking Options, Officials Keep Schizophrenic in Jail
Morning Edition, Dec. 19, 2007
In the broadcast version of this report, and in an earlier version of the story published online, we said that Jonathan Ramos was incarcerated after riding off on a bicycle from the Wal-Mart in St. Thomas. In fact, the store was a Kmart.
Dec. 15, 2007:
Charges Dropped in Long-Running Terrorism Case
Weekend Edition Saturday, Dec. 15, 2007
In the broadcast version of this report, we said that all eight suspects in the "L.A. 8" case were Muslim. In fact, only six of the eight were Muslim.
Nov. 15, 2007:
Seniors Urged to Research Their Drug-Plan Options
Morning Edition, Nov. 15, 2007
In this story, NPR reported that about a quarter of low-income people who receive Medicare's extra help for drug costs will need to switch drug plans to keep the government subsidy. Actually, they can stay in their current plans and keep the extra help, but they'll have to pay higher premiums to do so.
Nov. 7, 2007:
FBI and Universities Unite to Fight Terror
Morning Edition, Nov. 7, 2007
Early versions of the radio story mistakenly identified the former FBI director. His name is J. Edgar Hoover.
Oct. 14, 2007:
Is 'Soft Partition' a Viable Solution for Iraq?
Weekend Edition Sunday, Oct. 7, 2007
Trans-Jordan was created in 1921 by Britain, not in 1948 by the United Nations, as Daniel Schorr notes in this commentary.
Oct. 1, 2007:
Artists of Battlefield Deception: Soldiers of the 23rd
All Things Considered, Sept. 25, 2007
The audio version of this story notes that after the war, the soldiers of the 23rd were told to keep their experiences secret. In fact, some were told and some were not. Jack Masey, who is quoted in this report, was not told.
Sept. 26, 2007:
Winners Welcome MacArthur 'Genius Grants'
All Things Considered, Sept. 25, 2007
The audio version of this story misidentifies the professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore who studies the role of race relations in American medicine. She is Dr. Lisa Cooper, not Dr. Linda Cooper.
Sept. 20, 2007:
Paris' Popular Bike Program May Inspire Others
Weekend Edition Saturday, Sept. 15, 2007
The broadcast version of this story incorrectly states that it costs about $7 for an annual bike pass. It's about $7 for a weekly pass. The error has been corrected in the text version.
Aug. 28, 2007:
U.N. Peacekeepers Prepare for Darfur Deployment
Morning Edition, Aug. 28, 2007
The broadcast version of this story incorrectly identifies Jane Holl Lute as the head of the U.N. Peacekeeping Office. She is a top official in the office, but is not in charge of it. The error has been corrected in the text version.
Aug. 23, 2007:
Hezbollah Commemorates Costly 'Divine Victory'
All Things Considered, Aug. 14, 2007
The broadcast and Web version of this story stated that last year's conflict between Israel and Hezbollah erupted when Hezbollah launched a cross-border raid and captured two Israeli soldiers. We then said that Israel unleashed air strikes and sent troops and tanks across the border, and Hezbollah retaliated by firing Katyusha rockets into Israel. In fact, Hezbollah launched an initial round of Katyushas at the time of its cross-border raid. The Katyusha attacks escalated and expanded to most parts of northern Israel after the Israeli air strikes began.
Aug. 20, 2007:
Jazz Legend Max Roach Dies at 83
All Things Considered, Aug. 17, 2007
The broadcast version of this story incorrectly said that singer Abbey Lincoln was Max Roach's first wife. She was his second wife.
Aug. 13, 2007:
Lee Hazlewood: Writer Gave Music Biz the 'Boots'
All Things Considered, Aug. 6, 2007
The broadcast version of this story used a snippet of the Peter Gunn theme to illustrate Duane Eddy's singular guitar style, which Lee Hazlewood helped create. That tune was written, however, by Henry Mancini.
Aug. 8, 2007:
Specialty Crops and the Farm Bill
All Things Considered, Aug. 7, 2007
The broadcast version of this story said the House passed the farm bill last week. The measure was approved July 27.
July 26, 2007:
FBI Director Contradicts Gonzales Testimony
All Things Considered, July 26, 2007
The broadcast version of this story misidentified a member of Congress. We said it was Stephen Cohen, Democrat of Tennessee; we should have said it was Artur Davis, Democrat of Alabama.
June 1, 2007:
In a newscast May 28, 2007, NPR stated that 46 Palestinians and two Israeli soldiers died in recent rocket attacks in and around Gaza. The two Israelis killed were not soldiers. They were civilians.
May 3, 2007:
It's All About Carbon
All Things Considered, May 3, 2007
The on-air version of this story stated that energy is released when carbon-atom bonds are broken. To be precise, energy is released after the bond is broken and carbon atoms grab on to oxygen atoms, forming carbon dioxide.
April 10, 2007:
Massive Particle Accelerator Revving Up
Morning Edition, April 9, 2007
Ooops, even the great minds make mistakes. This story stated that each proton in the accelerator carries the energy of a bus. This is wrong. But added together all the protons in the machine will carry the equivalent energy of a 10-ton bus moving at 170 mph. Likewise the energy of the protons is not equivalent, as stated, to kilotons of TNT, but to some 360 pounds of TNT. Also, the machine is currently scheduled to begin operation in November.
Feb. 16, 2007:
New Citizenship Test Gets Dry Run
Morning Edition, Feb. 16, 2007
In some broadcast versions of this story, the spokesman for People for the American Way was misidentified. He should have been identified as Andrew Stengel.
Feb. 5, 2007:
Military Shows Off Experimental Heat Ray
Morning Edition, Feb. 5, 2007
In the broadcast version of this story, NPR incorrectly stated that the ray gun penetrates 1/16th of an inch into the skin. The U.S. military says the ray gun penetrates 1/64th of an inch into the skin.
2006 Corrections
Dec. 21, 2006:
Rival Iraq Report Wins Attention in Washington
Morning Edition, Dec. 21, 2006
This report cited Eliot Cohen as a key contributor to the AEI report on Iraq strategy. While Cohen agrees with the findings of the report, he did not take part in its preparation. Both Cohen and Frederick Kagan are affiliated with the American Enterprise Institute. Both were consulted by President Bush on how to reshape Iraq strategy.
Oct. 19, 2006:
U.S. Families Find Own Meanings in Iraq Deaths
Morning Edition, Oct. 19, 2006
In the broadcast version of this story, NPR identifies Marine Capt. Robert Secher as 31. He was 33 at the time of his death.
Sept. 7, 2006:
New Treatments (and Old Advice) Can Aid Diabetics
Morning Edition, Sept. 7, 2006
The broadcast and Web version of this story originally stated that a new form of insulin could be inhaled by nasal spray. In fact, patients inhale a powdered form of insulin through the mouth.
June 23, 2006:
Shell Necklace a Sign of 100,000-Year-Old Culture
All Things Considered, June 22, 2006
In the broadcast and Web version of this story, NPR stated that the snail shells were found in Israel. Strictly speaking, the snail shells were discovered in the 1930s, in what is today the state of Israel.
June 6, 2006:
Ancient Figs May Be First Cultivated Crops
All Things Considered, June 2, 2006
In the broadcast version of this story, an archeological site in the lower Jordan Valley was incorrectly identified as being in Israel. The site is in the occupied West Bank.
June 6, 2006:
Democrats Critical of Marriage Amendment Debate
Morning Edition, June 6, 2006
In the broadcast version of this story, Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-ND) was incorrectly identified as a senator from South Dakota.
June 4, 2006:
Composer Ben Vaughn's New Musical 'Design'
Weekend Edition Sunday, May 28, 2006
In response to Liane Hansen's question about hearing a trumpet that reminded her of Herb Alpert, musician Ben Vaughn said, "that was the guy who played in the Liberace Orchestra for 15 years." In post-production, we mixed music into our feature based on that information. Sarah Kramer heard our piece, and wrote to us: "I performed all of the trumpet parts, all of the trumpet solos, and all of the flugel horn parts/solos on the record, except on one song ... where there are a few trumpet (notes) played by another trumpet player, Stan Martin." She went on to point out that this musical example is in fact her flugelhorn solo. Our apologies.
May 23, 2006:
Blogging Poses New Workplace Issues
Talk of the Nation, May 24, 2005
The audio in this segment misstated that an employee of the health-care company Kaiser Permanente was let go for a blog entry which revealed confidential information about a patient. Rather, the employee was sued for an entry which linked to a patient's information.
May 16, 2006:
Iraq Business Environment Difficult to Navigate
Morning Edition, May 16, 2006
In this story, Adam Davidson describes the Khudairi Group as a subcontractor to Parson's on the health clinic project. This was not correct. The Khudairi Group had no direct relationship with Parsons.
February 24, 2006:
Orphanage Director Stands Trial in China
All Things Considered, February 23, 2006
The report incorrectly identifies taxi driver Duan Yueneng as a female. It also misstates the amount foreigners pay orphanages to adopt Chinese children. They typically pay $3,000 for an adoption.
January 19, 2006:
Alito to Face Further Grilling by Senate Panel
Morning Edition, January 11, 2006
This story reported that Samuel Alito held significant amounts of stock in Vanguard; rather, Alito held shares of Vanguard mutual funds, not the company itself.
January 15, 2006:
Okkervil River's Music: Spookiness and Bloodshed
Weekend Edition Sunday, January 8, 2006
The report misstates the degrees earned by Okkervil River band member Jonathan Meiburg. He is working on his master's degree in geography.
End of the DeLay Era Arrives on Capitol Hill
Weekend Edition Sunday, January 8, 2005
Doyle McManus erred when he said Sen. Richard Durbin is "giving back tens of thousands of dollars" from associates of convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff. The actual amount is $11,000, and the money is going to charity.
January 12, 2006:
Soulive: Mixing It Up with Jazz and Funk
All Things Considered, January 5, 2006
The audio of this story refers incorrectly to one of the band members as Aaron Evans. His name is Alan Evans.
Firms Use Business Classes to Sell Products
All Things Considered, December 27, 2005
The correct name of the company featured in this report is EdVenture Partners.
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