Do you know what editors hate most? It is news reports based on anonymous sources. You don’t know who the anonymous source is. Does he or she really exist? Or is the anonymous source a figment of the reporter’s imagination?
Wire services like Associated Press, Reuters etc have clear guidelines on the use of anonymous sources and all reporters are required to follow them. Most Indian newspapers too educate their reporters on the use of anonymous sources.
Here are seven situations when a reporter should use anonymous sources:
# 1. When the information is in public interest
Any information that an interested party wants to hide but which an anonymous source is willing to provide should be used. The catch here is that this information should be in public interest. It should be newsworthy, and should have significance.
# 2. When the information is not available otherwise
There are situations when a source is willing to provide important information only on the condition of anonymity. In such cases, the reporter should first try other sources. But if he fails then he should accept the condition laid down by the source – to conceal his identity.
# 3. When the source is reliable
It takes time for reporters to develop the confidence of sources. Similarly, the sources too are careful. They also check how the reporter uses the information. After some time, a level of trust builds up between the reporter and the source. The reporter can take a risk, once this happens. He can trust the source that is providing information under the condition of anonymity.
# 4. When the source has access to information
The anonymous source should have clear and demonstrated access to documents. He can be an official of the company, an office assistant with access to confidential documents or a politician with established connections in the government. The access to documents must be clearly established.
# 5. When the reason for anonymity can be explained
It is not enough to say “according to an anonymous source”. It is more important to explain why the reporter is protecting the identity of the source. Does the anonymous source fear retribution? Will the source suffer vindictive action if the cover is blown?
# 6. When the reporter can establish the credibility of the source without naming him
The reporter must describe the background of the source. If the source works in the Prime Minister’s office, then the report must state that the information has been obtained from “a senior official in the Prime Minister’s office”.
#7. When the story loses news value if the content given by anonymous source is removed
The reporter must judge how important is the information provided by the anonymous source. Can the story be run without it? If not, then the reporter should go ahead with the anonymous source.
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