Ethics Guide: Using unnamed sources

Using unnamed sources

Issue: Printing or publishing information based only or primarily on confidential or anonymous sources undermines our credibility.

Using unnamed sources undermines our credibility. Unnamed sources should not be used as the primary source of a published or posted story. Recognizing that there might be a time when an unnamed source might be necessary, these points must be taken into consideration before confidentiality is agreed to and an unnamed source is acceptable for use in the story.

Identity of the source

• The top editor must know who the source is, will review all information and may meet with the source before agreeing to use an unnamed source in a story.
• If a source lies or misleads the newspaper, the source will be identified. Make sure the source knows that.
• Describe an unnamed source's identity as fully as possible (without revealing that identity) to help readers evaluate the credibility of what the source has said or provided. For example, “a source close to the mayor’s office” or “a source with knowledge of the situation” would be appropriate uses.
• Do not make promises to a source that you do not intend to fulfill or may not be able to fulfill.

Confidentiality

• Reporters asked for confidentiality should discuss the request with their editors before making a commitment. If a reporter has already granted confidentiality in violation of this policy, the editor will honor the agreement, but may opt not to use the confidential material or do the story.
• Before confidential information is exchanged, reporters should tell the source that identities will be disclosed to at least one editor and likely to several.
• Agreements are between the newspaper and the source, not just between the reporter and the source.
• Consider an affidavit by the source that states the information for the record and that would be used if the newspaper is compelled by the courts to release the name of the source or the source of the information.

Verifying information

• Reporters must demonstrate that they have actively sought to confirm the information on the record, through other sources or with documentation.
• The source must be in a position to know what he/she is talking about. Information from unnamed sources must advance the news in an objective, fact-based manner.
• Anonymity will not be granted for such things as opinions, undocumented allegations, character analysis or suppositions.

    Ask and answer clearly and in context these questions. Asking them of the source is also
    appropriate:

• What are the motivations and “agendas” of the unnamed source?
• What does the source have to gain or lose?
• Are there other reasonable interpretations of this information?
• Who else might have this information?
• Who else stands to benefit or lose from its publication?
• Have we exhausted all other reporting avenues?
• Can this story be told in any other way?

Possible scenarios/alternative treatments

There are different levels of confidentiality and different kinds of agreements. Make certain everyone knows and has agreed to the same treatment. Get the agreement in writing. For instance:

• The source will not be named in the story.
• The newspaper will not name the source unless a court compels the newspaper to do so.
• The newspaper will not name them under any circumstances.
• Statements may be quoted directly or indirectly and will be attributed to the source. This is sometimes referred to as "on the record.”
• The information may be used in the story but not attributed to the source. This is sometimes referred to as "not for attribution" or "for background.”
• The information will not be used in the story unless obtained elsewhere and attributed to someone else. This is sometimes referred to as "off the record." (We also consider this to be a “news tip.”)
• If an employee does not comply with this policy, he or she may face disciplinary action, up to and including termination.