USA Today removed 23 articles from its website after an internal investigation revealed the reporter involved had fabricated sources on multiple occasions.
Reporter Gabriela Miranda both fabricated stories and “misappropriated” quotes for stories, according to the outlet on Thursday.
SMDH
USA Today Removes 23 Articles After Investigation Found Reporter Fabricated Sources https://t.co/Cx5Qn1Hk1Y— 🌸Rhonda🌺 (@rhondacarlisle9) June 17, 2022
The company’s explanation
“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 outlet reported.
“The existence of other individuals quoted could not be independently verified. In addition, some stories included quotes that should have been credited to others,” it added.
USA TODAY removed 23 articles from its website and other platforms following an audit of a reporter’s work. https://t.co/OtJHnkwwXI
— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) June 16, 2022
Reporter resigns
Miranda resigned as a result of the events. Her last reported story was on April 17.
The reporter also allegedly attempted to deceive auditors during the investigation.
USA Today removed 23 stories written by one reporter after an internal audit found “fabricated” sources: https://t.co/7Opt5SUBL6
— Newsmax (@newsmax) June 17, 2022
The public announcement revealed both USA Today’s forthright approach in addressing the issue and the outlet’s need to better protect against future similar efforts.
USA Today removed 23 articles from its website, it said, after an investigation into a reporter’s work revealed sources that appeared to be fabricated. https://t.co/M6p9a0BSIu
— The New York Times (@nytimes) June 17, 2022
Though many liberals and even mainstream outlets have attacked conservatives over allegations of fake news, the incident shows mainstream outlets are not immune to the issue.
The investigation will hopefully lead to better standards to help fight against fabricated stories as Americans seek accurate news regarding daily events.