Question
How anonymous do you keep your sources?
Answer:
It’s a good question. So many times someone will walk up to me, or mention in a conversation some startling information and the say, “that’s off the record.” But that doesn’t cut it, as they say in Hollywoodland.
Here’s how I treated confidential sourcesnwhen I was an editor with Ogden Newspapers: They aren’t anonymous because I know them and I don’t pursue information unless I believe it to be credible.
I agree to hear whatever someone wants to tell me that they think is newsworthy, and also agree not associate that person’s name or any identifying information or records in any subsequent news article that may be developed from the information.
I tell the potential source that I will seek out other sources who might be able to confirm the information they provide and will report about it if I can credibly confirm what they tell me, if it has value to the community in being reported.
I sometimes use ‘confidential sources’ in news articles without identifying them when the information is credible and important to the community. I require two sources confirming the same information, and/or official and credible documentation before publishing a news story without the names of sources.
And, again the information has to be highly credible and there has to be value to the community in reporting about it.
One last thing: Confidential sources are protected. Reporters cannot lawfully be forced to reveal the names of confidential sources to authorities, or to anyone. Think Watergate and “Deep Throat.” Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein. Watch the movie “All the President’s Men” to learn more. It’s a fascinating story.
Mailbag is modeled after mailbags former Sandusky Register reporter Jason Singer, who worked there in 2007-2010, and Andy Ouriel, who’s been in Register newsroom at for the least 15 years.
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