A story that fails to reveal its sources

1. What is an anonymous source?
2. Should journalist always protect confidential sources?
3. What is the difference between granting anonymity to a source and using an anonymous source?
4. How do you use anonymous sources?
5. When a journalist could be pressured to make known confidential sources?
6. What is an attribution in journalism?

What is an anonymous source?

When we don't disclose a human source by name, that person is considered an anonymous source. Under our guidelines, these sources should be used only for information that we believe is newsworthy and credible, and that we are not able to report any other way.

Should journalist always protect confidential sources?

Protecting confidential sources is a cornerstone of ethical reporting. When journalists have agreed to protect someone's identity, they should make every effort to do so, especially in circumstances where a source could be arrested or harmed.

What is the difference between granting anonymity to a source and using an anonymous source?

What is the difference between granting anonymity to a source and using an anonymous source? Granting anonymity is when the journalist knows who their source is but doesn't reveal the name to their publication or broadcast. An anonymous source is not knowing the identity of your source.

How do you use anonymous sources?

AP's basic rules for anonymous source material apply to material from other news outlets just as they do in our own reporting: The material must be factual and obtainable no other way. The story must be truly significant and newsworthy. Use of anonymous material must be authorized by a manager.

When a journalist could be pressured to make known confidential sources?

The answer is no, journalists at times are order by the court in a subpoena to disclose their sources if it is in the interest of the case that is before the court and that by disclosing the source it will assist the court to arrive at a just decision in that particular case.

What is an attribution in journalism?

Attribution is stating who said something. Attribution is essential in all the media, including radio and television. Journalists do it so that your readers or listeners can know who is speaking or where the information in the story comes from.