Bad press sticks. Especially when it’s in a news article. You can win in court, settle the issue, or move on with your life—but Google keeps the headline front and center. If you’re trying to get it removed, you’re not alone.
So how long does it take to remove a news article from search? The short answer: it depends. The longer answer: here’s exactly what you can expect, and how to move faster.
Why News Articles Are So Hard to Remove
News sites have authority. Google trusts them. That’s why they rank high and stay on page one for months—or even years.
Most news outlets don’t delete stories unless there’s a clear legal reason. And even then, they move slowly. Some never respond at all.
One client we worked with had a news story from 2015 that still ranked #1 when you Googled their name. The case was dropped, but the article stayed up. It cost them multiple job offers and a speaking gig before they took action.
Step 1: Ask the News Site to Take It Down
This is the fastest path—but it only works in specific cases.
- The story is factually wrong
- The case was dismissed or expunged
- You were a minor at the time
- The article includes personal information like your address or phone number
- The story violates the site’s own editorial guidelines
How long it takes:
Anywhere from 2 days to 8 weeks. Some respond fast. Others ignore you.
You’ll need to send a clear, professional request. Include links, explain the issue, and share documents if needed. Be polite, not angry. Editors are more likely to help if you don’t sound like a threat.
Step 2: Ask Google to Remove It from Search
Even if the article stays live, you might be able to hide it from search.
Use Google’s outdated content tool
If the article was updated or taken down but still shows in search, use this tool to request removal of the old version.
Use Google’s personal info policy
Google sometimes removes pages that show sensitive personal data.
- Home address
- Phone number
- Government ID numbers
- Explicit photos shared without consent
How long it takes:
Usually 7 to 14 business days. Google won’t remove full articles unless they break clear rules. But for privacy issues, it can be pretty quick.
Step 3: Bury the Article with Better Results
If you can’t remove it, your best move is to push it down.
This is where most people see the biggest impact. Google usually shows 3 to 5 top links for name searches. If you publish enough content, you can replace the bad ones.
Publish content that ranks
- A personal website
- Blog posts
- Medium or Substack articles
- LinkedIn updates
- YouTube videos
- Podcast guest spots
The trick is to use your name in the title, byline, and metadata. Make the content helpful, interesting, and search-friendly.
How long it takes:
This process can take 1 to 6 months, depending on your name, how strong the article is, and how often you post. The more active you are, the faster it goes.
One freelancer I know had a bad review story from 2018 ranking high. She started a weekly blog and got featured on a few podcasts. In 4 months, her new content filled the entire first page. The article dropped to page two, where no one looks.
Step 4: Use Content Removal Services
If you don’t have time or don’t want to do it yourself, there are companies that can help.
Content removal services like those offered by erase.com work behind the scenes. They contact news outlets, build new content, and work with legal teams if needed. Some offer guaranteed removal or suppression.
Be careful, though. Not all services are legit.
- Transparent pricing
- Real success stories
- No sketchy legal threats or fake reviews
How long it takes:
Good services typically take 4 to 12 weeks to remove or bury a news story. Faster if they have direct contacts. Slower if it’s an old or high-authority article.
Factors That Change the Timeline
Some removals are fast. Others drag out. Here’s what affects your timeline:
How common your name is
If your name is John Smith, you’ve got a head start. If it’s rare, Google will show fewer results—and bad articles stand out more.
How strong the news site is
Articles from big outlets like CNN or Daily Mail take longer to push down. Small blogs are easier to outrank.
How old the article is
Older articles are often easier to bury because they stop getting clicks. But they also stick if they’re on powerful sites.
How active you are
The more content you publish, the faster you can bury the bad links. Inactivity keeps the problem on page one.
What NOT to Do
Don’t threaten to sue unless you have a real legal claim. Most newsrooms won’t respond to threats without cause. It can also make things worse if they post updates or editorials about it.
Don’t pay to post fake reviews or spammy links. Google is smarter than that. These can backfire and make you look worse.
And don’t ignore it. That article won’t disappear on its own.
Final Thoughts
News stories don’t have to define you forever. You’ve got options. But results take time.
Start with a takedown request. Try Google’s tools. If that doesn’t work, bury the article with better content—or get help from trusted content removal services.
Reputation repair is a process, not a quick fix. But the effort pays off. Whether you’re applying for a job, building a brand, or just wanting peace of mind, cleaning up your search results helps you move forward.
Keep showing up with fresh content, stay proactive, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
You can’t control everything online. But you can control what people see first.
Stay patient. Stay consistent. Keep posting. And let your new story take over the old one.
My name is Darinka Aleksic. I am employed at Shantel.co as a Corporate Planning Manager. Although this job requires a lot of time and effort, I manage to do other things as well. For many years now, I have been successfully working as a tennis coach, where working with children makes me feel young again. Besides all this, I love cooking and look forward to the opportunity to host my friends and prepare something nice for them.