Unnamed sources make readers question your credibility as a journalist and our credibility as a news organization.
That’s not to say anonymity is not occasionally useful, and even necessary. Anonymous sources are a staple of high-impact investigative stories. They’re also useful for breaking news coverage, getting information about a story before anyone is authorized to release it. That being said, anonymity is an exception, not an expectation.
Whenever possible, speak to sources on the record and attribute information fully. If you must use an anonymous source, adhere to the following guidelines.
You may grant anonymity only if all of these conditions are met. You must get permission from your editor before granting anonymity.
Again, we do not grant anonymity for statements of opinions or speculation. Insist on speaking on the record, or find a different source. If you have to, blame your editor or The Mass Media’s policies.
How the information is attributed should be part of your negotiation with your source. Settle on specific terms that provide your reader with as much information as possible without revealing their identity. Also, in the first reference, explain why you granted anonymity. e.g. “… ,” said a senior administration official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss details of an ongoing investigation.
Read over the final copy of your article carefully before it is published, looking for any information that could reveal your source. Even small details can inadvertently reveal your source’s identity. For example, if there were four people on a phone call, only one of whom is a woman, using she/her pronouns to refer to your source would make it easy to identify them. Be vague, but do not use an inaccurate or fabricated description.
If you have promised to keep a source anonymous, you have an ethical obligation to do so.
Do not reveal the source’s identity to anyone except editors with a legitimate need to know. If you agree to identify your source to an editor, speak only in-person, in a location where you cannot be heard by others. Do not write down, record, store or transmit the source’s identity in any form, electronic or analogue. If you have records that could reveal their identity, such as audio recordings, do not store or access them on university computers, networks or accounts. Do not use your UMass Boston email for this purpose.
If you receive a subpoena or legal document ordering you to testify or produce the name of your source, contact the Student Press Law Center immediately via their legal hotline.
Identify sources clearly. The public is entitled to as much information as possible to judge the reliability and motivations of source.
Consider sources’ motives before promising anonymity. Reserve anonymity for sources who may face danger, retribution or other harm, and have information that cannot be obtained elsewhere. Explain why anonymity was granted.