NRC has launched an internal investigation into one of its correspondents in Spain. “Internal investigation reveals that the author did not personally speak to one of the sources cited in an article,” the newspaper stated.
It concerns a piece about data centers in Spain. The issue came to light after questions from weblog GeenStijl. They received a tip from someone who suspected that the conversation with a Spanish farmer in the article was fabricated. GeenStijl then contacted the mentioned farmer themselves, who confirmed that he had not spoken to the NRC correspondent. The weblog then presented this to the newspaper.
According to the deputy editor-in-chief, journalistic integrity is “of the utmost importance.” The newspaper says it is taking the matter seriously and is investigating what consequences the findings should have.
A warning has now been placed with the article on the NRC website stating that the piece does not comply with the newspaper’s journalistic code.