One bad news article can follow you for years. It doesn’t matter if it’s old, resolved, or misleading. If it shows up when someone Googles your name, it can hurt your career, reputation, or relationships.
The internet doesn’t forget, but there are ways to take control.
Here’s how to get a news article removed from Google, step-by-step.
Why News Articles Rank So High
News websites are trusted by Google. They have high authority, which means their content ranks fast and stays at the top. Even if the story is outdated or unfair, it might still show up first when people search your name.
That’s a problem if the article is about:
- An old lawsuit
- A past arrest
- A bad business review
- A misunderstanding
- A false accusation
According to a 2023 survey by BrightLocal, 87% of people trust what they see on Google as much as they trust word-of-mouth. That’s why it’s important to act fast.
Step 1: Contact the News Publisher
This is always the first step. Ask the news site to remove or update the story.
When removal is possible:
- The article is factually wrong
- The case was dropped or expunged
- You were under 18 when it happened
- The article violates the site’s editorial policy
- The post contains personal info (like your address)
What to say:
Keep it short and polite. Include links, proof, and a clear reason why the article should be taken down.
You can write something like:
“Hi, I’m requesting the removal of [article URL]. The information is outdated and no longer reflects the truth. I’ve attached documentation to support this. Please let me know if removal or an update is possible.”
Some sites will remove it within a few days. Others may take weeks—or not reply at all.
Step 2: Request Removal from Google Search
If the article stays up, you can try removing it from Google’s search results.
Use Google’s removal tools:
- Outdated content tool
- Personal info removal tool
These tools work if:
- The page no longer exists but still shows in search
- The article includes personal info (like your phone number or home address)
- You’re at risk of harassment or fraud because of the info
You’ll need to fill out a form and explain your request. Google will review it and usually reply within 7 to 14 days.
They won’t remove content just because it’s embarrassing or you don’t like it. It has to break a policy.
Step 3: Bury the Article with Better Content
If you can’t remove the article, you can still push it off page one. That’s where most people stop scrolling. Only 0.78% of searchers click on page two, according to Backlinko.
What to publish:
- Your own website (use your name in the domain if possible)
- Blog posts and guest articles
- LinkedIn posts
- Medium stories
- YouTube videos or podcast interviews
- Profiles on trusted sites (Google, Crunchbase, Behance, etc.)
Use your full name in headlines and page titles. Talk about your work, your story, or your current projects. The more content you control, the easier it is to push down bad links.
How long it takes:
It usually takes 1 to 6 months to move an article off page one. That depends on your name, how much you post, and how strong the article is.
One entrepreneur we worked with started blogging weekly and got featured on two podcasts. The article dropped from spot #2 to #11 in five weeks.
Step 4: Use an Online Content Removal Service
If you don’t have time—or you’ve tried everything—consider using professionals.
Online content removal experts deal with news articles every day. They know how to contact publishers, write takedown requests, and build new content that ranks. Some offer guaranteed suppression or removal.
Not all services are created equal. Look for:
- Real case studies
- Clear timelines and pricing
- No fake reviews or shady tactics
Ask questions before you commit. Good services should explain their plan without pressure.
How long it takes:
Professional help can speed things up. Many cases are resolved in 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the publisher and how many articles are involved.
What You Shouldn’t Do
Don’t post fake reviews or spammy content. Google can tell, and it may hurt you more.
Don’t threaten the news site unless you have a solid legal case. That often makes things worse.
And don’t ignore the article. If you do nothing, it’ll just stay there—and more people will see it over time.
Keep Your Name Clean Going Forward
Once you fix your results, protect them.
Tips to maintain control:
- Set Google Alerts for your name
- Publish fresh content every month
- Claim your profiles (LinkedIn, Google Business, social platforms)
- Ask for positive reviews from real customers or colleagues
It’s not about hiding who you are. It’s about showing your full story—not just one bad headline.
Final Thoughts
Removing a news article from Google isn’t easy. But it’s possible.
Start by contacting the publisher. Use Google’s tools when you can. If that doesn’t work, post stronger content—or call in help from online content removal professionals.
The most important thing is to take action. Your name is your brand. Don’t let one outdated article control the narrative.
Reputation is earned, but it can be rebuilt. Stay consistent. Be patient. And keep showing up with content that puts you back in control.
