Can journalists use anonymous sources?

Journalists’ ethical codes normally address the issue of attribution, which is sensitive because in the course of their work, journalists may receive information from sources who wish to remain anonymous. In investigative journalism, important news stories often depend on such information.

Why is source confidentiality important to journalists?

Journalists rely on source protection to gather and reveal information in the public interest from confidential sources. Such sources may require anonymity to protect them from physical, economic or professional reprisals in response to their revelations.

Why a journalist must not disclose his source of information?

You must not see confidentiality only as protecting one source of information; it is also protecting freedom of speech.” It says it is a right that must be defended even at personal risks. ”It is noteworthy that the privilege of non-disclosure of confidentiality sources is one of the core principles of journalists.

How do you refer to an anonymous source?

Write “Anonymous” in place of the author’s name in the parenthetical reference if it is used in the source, for example: (“Anonymous, 2008). Cite the source by its title if neither an author’s name nor the word “anonymous” is present. Use an abbreviated title if the title is long.

How do you anonymously report to the news?

There are a lot of ways to do that.

1. Send your materials through physical mail.
2. Call from a phone number unconnected to you.
3. Use Signal for private messaging.
4. Before looking into news organizations, consider using the Tor Browser for greater privacy.
5. Use a whistleblower submission system.

Can a journalist publish a story without revealing the name’s of their source?

Background. The information can be published but only under conditions negotiated with the source. Generally, the sources do not want their names published but will agree to a description of their position. The information can be used but without attribution.

What does it mean if a source wants to remain anonymous Why might a source want this?

It is also important to clarify why the source wanted to remain anonymous. For example, a journalist could explain that the company the source works for does not allow officials to speak with reporters, or that a major announcement is going to be made via press release.

Do journalists have ethical obligations not to disclose confidential information?

But everyone, including journalists, has an obligation to respect confidentiality and journalists have also assumed an ethical obligation. 15 If confidential information is not proprietary in nature and there is no proprietary right attached to it, then the mere act of taking is not a ground for liability.

How can a journalist violate privacy?

News-gathering activities may violate a person’s right of privacy if the journalist unreasonably intrudes (physically, electronically, or otherwise) upon an area in which that person has a reasonable expectation of privacy. An obvious example would be trespassing.

Why do we attribute information?

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.

Can a journalist identify a previously confidential source?

The policies do not say what instances journalists are allowed to identify a previously confidential source, however. It seems as though the company wants journalists to make their own ethical decision on whether or not to keep a source confidential. This information was gathered from an article written by the Citizen Media Law Project.

How can journalists protect their sources?

Here are 12 principles journalists should follow to make sure they’re protecting their sources 1. First, protect your sources. Defend anonymity when it is requested. 2. Provide safe ways for sources to make “first contact” with you, where possible.

Should journalists offer anonymity to their sources?

Generally, anonymity should not be offered to a source. Exceptions are made when journalists are reporting on highly sensitive stories or when the New York Times was the one who sought out a source who may face legal jeopardy or loss of livelihood for speaking with the press.

Do editors have to keep confidentiality with sources?

Any editor who learns a source’s identity is required to maintain exactly the same confidentiality as the reporter. When agreeing to anonymity, the reporter’s duty is to obtain terms that conceal as little as possible of what the reader needs to gauge reliability.