It happens fast. One article drops with your name in the headline, and suddenly it’s the top result when anyone Googles you. Even if the story is old, misleading, or resolved, it still follows you around like a shadow. So here’s the question: how to get a news article removed from the internet?
Let’s break it down with practical steps, common mistakes, and some real-world examples. If you’ve been hit by bad press, you’re not stuck. You have options.
Why Is That News Article Still Showing Up?
News sites rank high in search results for a few reasons. They’re trusted by Google. They publish often. And their content usually includes keywords like names, locations, or events that people search for.
Even if the article is years old, it stays visible if people click on it. Some news stories get shared to other platforms, reposted by aggregators, or saved in web archives. That makes them harder to bury.
If you want it gone, you need a strategy.
What Gets a News Article Removed?
Not all articles can be taken down. But some can, depending on the content.
You’re most likely to get a news article removed if it:
- Includes false or defamatory information
- Contains personal details like your address or ID
- Features outdated legal issues that were dismissed or expunged
- Violates a court order or privacy law
In these cases, you can contact the news outlet or use a form through Google or other platforms. But don’t expect instant results. You’ll need to make your case clearly.
Step 1: Reach Out to the Publisher
Start at the source.
If the article is inaccurate, misleading, or no longer relevant, email the editor or publisher. Be polite and to the point. Include:
- A direct link to the article
- A short summary of why it should be removed or updated
- Any supporting documents (like legal dismissals, corrections, or proof of resolution)
One client of ours, a small business owner in Texas, contacted a local newspaper that reported on her arrest from years ago. The charges had been dropped. She sent court records and asked for an update. Within two weeks, the editor added a correction and removed her full name from the headline.
Not every news outlet will help. But many will, especially for stories that are old or no longer newsworthy.
Step 2: Ask Google to Remove the Link
Google won’t remove a news article just because you don’t like it. But they will remove content that fits certain guidelines. You can request removal if the article contains:
- Personal info like phone numbers or home addresses
- Non-consensual explicit images
- Impersonation or fake content
- Outdated legal content that qualifies under their new policies
To start the process, go to Google’s Remove Outdated Content tool or their Personal Information Removal form.
The review process can take a few days to a few weeks. You’ll get a yes or no, with no appeal.
Even if Google removes the link, the article may still be visible on the publisher’s site. That’s why you need to attack this from both ends.
Step 3: Suppress It With Better Content
If you can’t delete it, outrank it.
That means creating positive, fresh content that shows up higher in search results. Think of this as building a wall of your own words, photos, and stories.
Here’s what works:
- Start a personal or business website
- Post regularly on LinkedIn or Medium
- Get featured on a podcast or blog
- Issue press releases about new projects
- Create YouTube videos using your full name or company name
Google likes new content. And it rewards content that shows authority and relevance. A well-written article from a reputable site can push the bad one lower in results.
A real-world example? A New York real estate broker worked with a reputation firm to build out a new site, publish press releases, and get featured in industry blogs. Six months later, the negative news article dropped from spot #3 to the bottom of page two.
Step 4: Monitor and Respond
Once you’ve done the hard part, keep it going.
Use tools like Google Alerts to track mentions of your name or business. If new articles pop up, act quickly. The sooner you respond, the easier it is to manage.
If someone posts the same news on another site, reach out again. You may be able to get it removed before it spreads.
How Much Does It Cost?
Here’s a rough breakdown:
| Solution | Cost Range |
| DIY (emailing sites, forms) | $0 to $100 |
| Freelance SEO help | $300 to $1,000 |
| PR or media outreach agency | $1,000 to $5,000 |
| Full-service reputation firm | $3,000 to $15,000+ |
Keep in mind that results aren’t guaranteed. Some firms focus only on suppression. Others will help you with publisher outreach too. Ask what’s included.
Don’t Try This
Some people try risky tactics like spamming the article with fake comments, filing bogus DMCA claims, or hiring shady SEO services to manipulate rankings.
These can backfire fast. You might get flagged by Google, face legal issues, or make the article even more visible.
Stick with strategies that are ethical and long-lasting.
Final Thought
If you’re wondering how to get a news article removed, the honest answer is this: it depends. Some can be taken down. Others can be buried. But every situation has a path forward.
You don’t have to live in fear of one link. You just have to take back control of your story, one search result at a time.
