Anonymous or unnamed sources present one of journalism’s more perplexing dilemmas.
Using unnamed sources goes to the very heart of a newspaper’s credibility. In order to trust us, readers have the right to know the identities of sources of information in stories.
Sources lurking behind anonymity naturally are suspected to be less credible than people willing to put their names to their statements. Reporters and editors take every step possible to attach names to information.
But there are rare stories in which the information is deemed so important to the public that journalists agree to forgo naming the source.
“Deep Throat,” the linchpin of Watergate and the downfall of President Richard Nixon, is the most famous anonymous source.
Since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, you probably have noticed more stories, particularly out of Washington, that are attributed to unnamed officials.
So what is The Star’s policy on using anonymous sources?
In theory, the standards are the same for locally produced stories and those from news services, according to Editor Terry Eberle.
But in reality, the standards are higher on local stories because we have more control, he said. We have to trust that news services have similar sourcing standards.
“There’s no ban on anonymous sources. We will do it, but on very, very, very rare occasions,” Eberle said, adding that in his seven months at the paper, he can’t remember a local story quoting unnamed sources.
Nancy Winkley, deputy managing editor, explained the rigorous standards that must be met before we use anonymous sources.
“We must establish that the unnamed source is credible and knowledgeable. The information provided must be confirmed through other sources. The appropriate editors must be made aware of the use of unnamed sources and approve such use,” Winkley said. Also, the paper never would allow an unnamed source to take a potshot at someone, she added.
Still, running a story with unnamed sources sometimes is best for the reader. “It’s a devil’s choice,” Winkley said. “Newspapers are forced to make tough decisions because there is information that is so important that readers need to know.”
Jon Wolman, executive editor of The , said the use of anonymous sources definitely has increased since the terrorist attacks.
“Many arms of the government have chosen not to speak publicly, yet they have chosen to speak confidentially,” Wolman said, adding that this results more from changes in government processes than in press policies.
Wolman said The AP’s “conservative policy” on using anonymous sources revolves around three points: The person must be in a position to know information; the person must be providing information, not opinion; and the information is unattainable by any other means.
Brett Halbleib, The Star’s national and foreign editor, said the credibility of news service stories based on unnamed sources is elevated if multiple services are reporting the same development, and the information seems to be coming from different sources.
Winkley said: “Our policy on sourcing is not taken lightly and is one of many things we require to maintain the trust of the people who read this paper.”
