At Wochenfokus, fact-checking is central to our mission of trustworthy Swedish journalism. Every article is verified before publication by our dedicated fact-checking team led by Birgit Weiß, Ansvarig för faktagranskning. We do not publish claims we cannot substantiate through reliable sources or direct reporting.
What do we verify?
We verify every factual claim that appears in our reporting, including names, dates, statistics, quotes, figures, and statements attributed to individuals or institutions. This applies to all sections: politics, economy, culture, society, and current affairs.
Our verification process covers data from government reports, parliamentary records, academic studies, corporate filings, and firsthand interviews. For opinion pieces and analysis, we check that the underlying facts are accurate and clearly distinguished from the writer’s judgement. Sponsored or commercially labelled content is also subject to the same fact-checking standards; no material bypasses this review.
What is our source hierarchy?
We rank sources by reliability and transparency. Primary sources – official documents, direct testimony, original data – are preferred over secondary reports. Anonymous sources are used only when necessary and always approved by an editor, with the reason for anonymity disclosed.
Detailed guidance on our sourcing practices is available on our Sources & Standards page. Wherever possible, we link directly to the underlying source material so readers can evaluate the evidence themselves. If a source is not publicly accessible, we explain why. Our fact-checkers maintain a internal database of verified references to ensure consistency across stories.
How do we handle rumours and unverified claims?
Rumours, speculation, and unverified claims are explicitly labelled as such in our reporting. We never present a rumour as established fact, even in headlines or teasers. When covering breaking events where information is incomplete, we clearly state what has been confirmed and what remains unconfirmed.
If a rumour is widely circulating and newsworthy, we may report on its existence – but always with context about its origin and our inability to verify it. We distinguish between “reported claims” and “verified facts” in every article. Our editorial team reviews such cases with extra scrutiny, and Birgit Weiß’s team tracks the verification status until the matter is resolved.
Who reviews sensitive or high‑impact articles?
Sensitive articles – those involving allegations of wrongdoing, national security, vulnerable individuals, or significant financial implications – are reviewed by our Standards Lead before publication. This role is currently held by Oliver Böhm, Chefredaktör, who assesses the strength of the evidence and any potential risks.
For such articles, the fact‑checking process includes a mandatory second verification of all key claims by a different member of the fact‑checking team. The reviewer must sign off in writing before the article can be scheduled. If any doubt remains, publication is delayed until additional sourcing or legal advice is obtained.
How can readers report potential errors?
Readers who spot a possible error are encouraged to contact our fact‑checking team directly at factcheck@wochenfokus.de. We take every report seriously and aim to acknowledge receipt within 24 hours. Reports can be anonymous, though we appreciate contact details if we need to follow up.
Our complaints procedure provides further details on how we handle formal complaints. For corrections unrelated to factual accuracy – such as typographical errors – you can use the corrections@wochenfokus.de address. All reports are logged and reviewed by Birgit Weiß’s team, and the outcome is communicated to the reporter whenever possible.
What you can expect from us
You can expect every article you read on Wochenfokus to have been verified by a human fact‑checker before publication. We apply the same standard to all content, whether produced by staff writers, freelancers, or using AI‑assisted tools – the final editorial judgement is always human.
We maintain a corrections log and update articles promptly when errors are confirmed. Significant corrections are noted at the top of the article with a clear explanation. Minor changes are documented in the article’s revision history. Our Editorial Policy and Our Team pages provide further detail on who is responsible for each stage of the editorial process.
How do we correct mistakes?
When we discover a factual error – through our own review, reader reports, or external verification – we correct it promptly and transparently. The correction is noted at the top of the article, including the original error, the correction, and the date of change. For serious errors, we also publish a separate correction notice.
Our full Corrections Policy explains the criteria for different types of correction, from minor clarifications to retractions. We do not remove articles simply because they contain an error; instead, we correct them and maintain the original version with clear annotations. This ensures accountability and allows readers to see the full picture.
Questions or concerns?
If you have questions about our fact‑checking methods, wish to report an error, or want to discuss a specific article, please write to factcheck@wochenfokus.de. For general editorial queries, use info@wochenfokus.de. You can also reach our fact‑checking team leader Birgit Weiß directly at emma.sandberg@wochenfokus.de.
Additional resources: our Ownership & Funding page explains who owns and finances Wochenfokus, and our Contact page lists all departmental email addresses. We welcome your feedback as part of our commitment to open, accountable journalism.