What are pros and cons of anonymous sources?

1. What are the benefits of using anonymous sources?
2. What are anonymous sources?
3. Can anonymous sources may be considered reliable sources?
4. Why does the AP restrict the use of anonymous sources?

What are the benefits of using anonymous sources?

Anonymity allows sources to try to influence the way journalists cover the news. In Washington, high-level government sources often demand that their briefings be on background or on deep background. The officials use these briefings to place administration policy in the best possible light.

What are anonymous sources?

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.

Can anonymous sources may be considered reliable sources?

The short answer is, it depends. A reporter who uses anonymous sources has a much heavier lift when it comes to establishing a story's credibility. All reporters would prefer to use named sources in their stories because information attached to a specific person is more credible and can be more easily verified.

Why does the AP restrict the use of anonymous sources?

Why does the AP restrict the use of anonymous sources? Anonymous sources cost money.