How do I submit a complaint to Wochenfokus?
Send your complaint by email to complaints@wochenfokus.de. We accept complaints from readers, sources, and anyone affected by our content. Please include your name, the article or issue in question, and a clear explanation of what you believe is wrong.
To help us investigate quickly, also include relevant URLs, publication dates, and any supporting documents. You do not need to use a special form – a straightforward email is sufficient. If you prefer not to write in English or Swedish, we will handle your message in German or another language where possible.
What happens after I submit a complaint?
We acknowledge receipt of your complaint within two working days. The responsible section editor or fact-checking team reviews your concerns, checks the original sources, and assesses whether our editorial standards have been met.
You will receive a substantive response within ten working days. If the investigation requires more time – for example, if we need to consult with external experts – we will let you know and provide an updated timeline. We treat every complaint confidentially and will only share details with the staff members directly involved.
Who handles complaints and what is the escalation process?
Complaints are initially handled by the editorial team or by Birgit Weiß, our head of fact‑checking (emma.sandberg@wochenfokus.de). If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you can escalate directly to our editor‑in‑chief, Oliver Böhm (anders.lindqvist@wochenfokus.de).
Oliver Böhm reviews the case personally, considers all evidence, and makes a final decision on behalf of Donau Media OÜ. We will explain the reasoning behind his decision in writing. If the complaint identifies a factual error, we will correct it promptly according to our corrections policy.
What you can expect from us
We handle every complaint with the same rigour we apply to our journalism. You can expect a fair, impartial assessment based on our published editorial standards and fact‑checking procedures.
We will not dismiss your concern without examination. If we find that our reporting fell short, we will acknowledge the mistake, make the necessary correction or clarification, and explain what we have done to prevent a recurrence. If we uphold the original article, we will give you a clear justification. Our goal is to resolve complaints transparently and maintain trust with our readers.
How do you handle corrections?
Our detailed corrections policy explains the process for fixing errors. When a complaint results in a correction, we update the article, add a note explaining the change, and notify you if you have requested an update.
We distinguish between minor errors (typos, formatting) and substantive errors (misquotes, factual inaccuracies). Substantive corrections are reviewed by Oliver Böhm before publication. We also keep a log of all significant corrections for internal quality control.
What about privacy and data?
Any personal data you provide as part of a complaint is handled in line with our privacy policy. We only use your contact details to process your complaint and will not share them with third parties without your consent.
Our editorial policy also governs how we handle complaints that involve confidential sources or sensitive information. We will protect your identity if you request anonymity, and we will not publish any part of your communication without your permission.
Questions or concerns?
If you are unsure whether your issue qualifies as a complaint, or if you want to raise a general concern about our journalism, please contact our newsdesk at editorial@wochenfokus.de. For all other inquiries – advertising, partnerships, legal matters – see our contact page.
We also encourage you to read our editorial policy and fact‑checking policy to understand the standards we hold ourselves to. Every complaint helps us improve, and we thank you for taking the time to share your feedback.