Anonymous Sources

In journalism, a source can be a person, persons a or publication with knowledge on a topic.

An anonymous source is no really no different than the average source. The only fundamental different is that the anonymous source chooses to remain anonymous.  An anonymous source is a person being interviewed for a newspaper or other piece but does not want to give their name out.

Having anonymous sources is “an easy way out.”  Utilizing anonymous sources can work two ways.  Sources can take advantage of reporters by remaining anonymous.  Anonymous sources can use reporters to push any agenda they see fit.  Also, if reporters get called out on their sources, they have some sort of excuse they can use. 

However, when the average person hears "anonymous source," they automatically shut down and immediately second guess whatever is being said.  Why believe a source that is unwilling to identify themselves?  Obviously, there are extreme circumstances where a source may choose to remain anonymous for fear of their life.  But generally speaking, it definitely strengthens public perception of a source if the public can put a face and name to the source.

The most famous anonymous source was known as "Deep Throat."  Deep Throat's real name was Mark Felt.  Felt was American law enforcement officer who worked for the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 1942 to 1973.  He was a FBI special agent who eventually rose to the position of Associate Director, the Bureau's second-highest-ranking post.  Deep Throat helped reporters Bob Woodard and Carl Bernstein uncover the Watergate scandal by feeding them information.  Felt's involvement led to 

In May 2005 an ailing Felt announced in a Vanity Fair article, “I’m the guy they used to call Deep Throat.” 

Judith Miller is an American journalist who went to jail for 85 days to protect her an anonymous source of hers and many journalists praised her for it.  She went to jail July 6, 2005 and on September 29 of the same year, she was released after agreeing to testify in the investigation into the leaking of cover CIA officer Valerie Plame. 

To this day, Miller denies the accusations that the President George W. Bush administration fabricated weapons on mass destruction (WAD) intelligence to take the country to war.

Judith Miller’s reporting essentially started a war in Iraq and resulting in the death of over 300,000 people.  Her anonymous sources were likely CIA agents.  

Today, she is spewing rhetoric of wanting, demanding that the U.S. get involved in the Russia-Ukraine dispute.  

Generally it is frowned upon in journalism to use anonymous sources.  If  a journalist can name their source, they should.  However, there are situations that allow for the usage of anonymous sources.

Journalists use four main rules for when to use anonymous sources. The first rule is that an editor must also know the source. An editor knowing the source create a filter preventing lies from being spread. The second rule is that the story must be important. To use an anonymous source, the story must be so interesting and important that the source has to be anonymous. The third rule is that anonymity should be a last resort and worst case scenario. Using an anonymous source can cause a lot of distrust and makes the source less credible, using other sources is a better option. The last rule is that when using an anonymous source, the reason for anonymity must be explained in the story. Giving context as to why that person was kept anonymous helps create more credibility. If the journalist is using an anonymous source, which is frowned upon, and then doesn't explain why, who will believe the source?

 People like Judith Miller should be used as an example of the danger of anonymous sources paired with poor reporting.