What a Right-of-Reply File Should Contain Before a Contested Story Runs

A contested story needs a file, not just a strong sentence.

The reply record

A reply file should include the precise questions sent, the recipient, the delivery method, the deadline, any extensions, the answer received, documents supplied, refusals to comment, and any correction or clarification offered after publication.

What counts as unresolved

A fact can remain unresolved even when one side is confident. A document can be incomplete. A statement can conflict with another statement. A deadline can pass without an answer. VINI may still publish when the public-interest case is strong, but the story should say what is established and what remains disputed.

What readers should expect

Readers should expect contested claims to be labeled, sourced, and corrected when warranted. They should also expect that some details will be held back if they create avoidable privacy, safety, or legal risk without adding public value.

This standards file is part of the same publication system as the corrections log, source-handling page, and submission terms. It gives editors and readers a common checklist.