Artikel Dunia Kerja : How to Work With Anonymous Sources (I)

How to Work With Sources Who Don't Want Their Names Published
By Tony Rogers, About.com Guide

How to Work With Anonymous Sources

Whenever possible you want your sources to speak “on the record.” That means their full name and job title (when relevant) can be used in the news story.

But sometimes sources have important reasons – beyond simple shyness - for not wanting to speak on the record. They will agree to be interviewed, but only if they aren’t named in your story. This is called an anonymous source, and the information they provide is typically known as “off the record.”

When Are Anonymous Sources Used?

Anonymous sources aren’t necessary – and in fact are inappropriate - for the vast majority of stories reporters do.

Let’s say you’re doing a simple person-on-the-street interview story about how local residents feel about high gas prices. If someone you approach doesn’t want to give their name, you should either convince them to speak on the record or simply interview someone else. There’s absolutely no compelling reason to use anonymous sources in these types of stories.

Investigations

But when reporters do investigative reports about malfeasance, corruption or even criminal activity, the stakes can be much higher. Sources may risk being ostracized in their community or even fired from their job if they say something controversial or accusatory. These types of stories often require the use of anonymous sources.

Example

Let’s say you’re investigating allegations that the local mayor has been stealing money from the town treasury. You interview one of the mayor’s top aides, who says the allegations are true. But he’s afraid that if you quote him by name, he’ll be fired. He says he’ll spill the beans about the crooked mayor, but only if you keep his name out of it.


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