If a news article about you or your business pops up on Google and paints you in a bad light, it can feel like your reputation is permanently damaged. The article might be old, inaccurate, or totally missing context. But as long as it shows up in search, people will read it and form opinions.
So here’s the big question: can you actually delete news from internet search results? Let’s walk through the options, what works, what doesn’t, and how to take control of your story.
Table of Contents
Why Do News Articles Show Up So High on Google?
News sites are built to rank. They post fast. They update often. And they’ve been around for years, which gives them authority in Google’s eyes.
That means when a journalist writes something about you, especially if your name is in the title or early in the article, it becomes part of your online footprint. It’s not just on the publisher’s site either. It might get copied by other outlets, archived, shared, or cached.
In other words, one bad article often turns into 5 or 10 links. And they don’t go away on their own.
When Will Google Remove a News Article?
Google doesn’t remove articles just because you don’t like them. But there are a few clear rules where removal is possible:
- Sensitive personal information like ID numbers, home address, or bank details
- Non-consensual images or harassment
- Fake content created with AI or impersonation
- Court orders proving defamation or false claims
If your case matches any of these, you can file a removal request directly with Google. They’ll review it and either approve or deny the request.
But most news articles don’t fall into these categories. They’re often based on public information, like arrests, lawsuits, or business disputes. That’s where things get tricky.
Can You Just Ask the News Site to Remove It?
Yes, and sometimes it works.
News sites get takedown requests all the time. If the article is about something that happened years ago and the issue was resolved, they may be open to removing it or updating it.
Keep your request simple. Include:
- The URL of the article
- Why you’re requesting removal
- Any proof that the issue is no longer relevant or accurate
A small-town business owner we spoke to had an article removed from a local paper after sending them a letter showing that the lawsuit mentioned had been dismissed. The article was taken down a week later with no public announcement.
Even if they say no to full removal, they might agree to:
- Remove your name from the headline
- Add an update or clarification
- Block it from showing up in Google
This won’t delete news from internet search completely, but it can lower its ranking and visibility.
What Happens When You Can’t Get It Removed?
Then you focus on suppression.
Suppression means pushing the negative news off the first page of Google. Most people never scroll past the first few results. If you can bury the bad press under newer, more positive content, you’re winning.
The key is to create content that ranks higher than the news article. That’s easier than you think, but it takes work.
Step 1: Publish Content That’s About You
Start by creating content that Google can index. Make sure it’s clearly tied to your name or business.
Ideas include:
- A personal or business website
- Press releases about new projects
- LinkedIn and other social media profiles
- Blog posts or guest articles
- YouTube videos
- Business listings and citations
Use your full name or business name in titles, headlines, and URLs when possible. This tells Google that the content is about you.
Step 2: Get Other Sites Talking About You
Google trusts third-party sites more than your own.
Try to get mentions on:
- Local news outlets
- Niche blogs
- Business review sites
- Industry podcasts
Even small mentions with backlinks to your site can boost your reputation and help push the bad article down.
One entrepreneur we helped landed a local radio interview, posted it to YouTube, and shared it on her website. Within two months, it outranked the news article about her old court case.
Step 3: Stay Active
Google loves fresh content. If your last blog post or update was from 2021, that’s not helping your cause.
Aim to post something new at least once a month. Even short updates help.
And don’t stop once the article drops off the first page. Keep going so it doesn’t come back.
Should You Hire a Professional?
If this all feels overwhelming, you’re not alone.
Reputation management companies exist for a reason. They know how to build SEO-optimized content, pitch journalists, and negotiate removals.
But be careful. Some companies overpromise. No one can guarantee full removal unless they own the site or have a court order.
If you go this route, ask for examples, timelines, and what they actually do. The best teams focus on both removal attempts and long-term suppression.
Real Costs to Consider
Let’s break it down.
| Option | Cost Range | Best For |
| DIY Content Suppression | $0 to $500/month | Low-stakes personal content |
| SEO or PR Freelancer | $500 to $2,500 | Moderate reputational repair |
| Reputation Management Firm | $3,000 to $15,000+ | High-profile or legal cases |
Remember, this isn’t a one-time fix. Most projects take 3 to 6 months to see real change.
Final Thoughts
You can’t always delete news from internet search engines, but you can outshine it.
Start by asking for removal. If that fails, build up a strong online presence that tells your side of the story. Use every platform you can to share your wins, correct the record, and own your name again.
The internet remembers everything. But it also rewards the people who keep showing up.