motuttalelser

Motuttalelser are counter-statements or responses that challenge or clarify previous statements. In Norwegian public discourse, they are used in journalism, law, and other contexts to present an opposing or corrective perspective. The content typically includes corrections of facts, presentation of new evidence, or explanations intended to ensure fair representation.

The term comes from the prefix mot- (against) and uttalelse (utterance or statement). In media practice, motuttalelser are often published as a separate text alongside a news item that is disputed. They may be submitted by individuals, organizations, or authorities and are usually governed by editorial policies, including length limits, deadlines, and fact-checking requirements. The aim is to provide readers with a corresponding viewpoint and to correct misquotations, inaccuracies, or omissions.

In legal and administrative contexts, similar concepts exist under rights of reply or imøtegåelse, whereby a party can respond to accusations or statements circulated publicly. In broader civil discourse, motuttalelser can promote accountability, transparency, and balanced information, though their use varies by country, publication, and legal framework.

Limitations include potential defamation risks, the need for factual accuracy, and the editorial discretion of the media outlet. Some outlets require that a motuttalelse be directly related to a previously published item, while others publish it as part of a general policy on reader responses.