Information
sources
- People you encounter on
the job.
- Sponsorship - getting
a source to vouch for you
- Self-sponsorship
- sending clips of previous stories
- Matchmaking - asking
for names of others to talk to
- Anonymous sources
- usually this is avoided. Check the information with other sources,
preferably those who can be named. Vague reference or pseudonym. Lack
of credibility.
|
On and off
the record
The Supreme Court
has ruled you can't reveal a confidential source if you have agreed not
to.
- On the record
- you identify yourself as a reporter and make clear the information
could be published.
- Off the record
- You can't use this information unless you can get some other source
to give you the same information. You don't attribute it to the original
source.
- Not for attribution
- Use information as background but cannot identify source.
- Background -
You can use the information but not attribute it, although some reporters
give vague attribution. If in doubt, ask source.
- Deep background
- Rarely used or understood by most sources. Use the material for your
information only.
|