The articles were removed from its website after an internal investigation.
QUICK FACTS:
- Mainstream newspaper USA Today has removed 23 articles from its website after an investigation into a reporter’s use of fabricated sources.
- USA Today reporter Gabriel Miranda was found to have lied about sources and misappropriated quotes for its stories.
- The outlet said they were prompted to start an internal investigation after receiving an external correction request on one of their stories.
- The investigation uncovered 23 articles written by Miranda that did not meet the publication’s “editorial standards.”
- Miranda has since resigned from the network and while the links to the articles still exist, they have been replaced with an editor’s note that says, “This story has been removed from our platforms because it does not meet our standards.”
USA TODAY’S STATEMENT:
“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,” the publication said in its announcement on the removals.
“As a result, USA TODAY removed 23 articles from its website and other platforms for not meeting our editorial standards. The headlines of the articles are listed below. Miranda has resigned as a reporter for USA TODAY and the USA TODAY Network.”
BACKGROUND:
- Part of the USA Today network includes a “Fact Check” service that has long been called slated, partisan and inaccurate by conservatives.
- In September the publication had to issue a correction on their “fact check” about Biden’s actions while at a ceremony for Gold Star families.
