Author Question: Explain the differences between source attributions on the record, off the record, on background, ... (Read 34 times)

EAugust · **on:** Jul 10, 2018

Explain the differences between source attributions on the record, off the record, on background, and on deep background. Why is it important for reporters to attribute their sources correctly?

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

If a White House staffer leaked inside information to you, but only wanted to be referred to as an unnamed source close to the White House, your information attribution would be __________.

Fill in the blank with the correct words.

Missbam101 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 10, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: An ideal response will:
1. Describe the differences between the four types of source attributions. On the record comments are open to printing verbatim, off the record comments are not subject to print, on background comments are subject to print but not with attribution, and deep background comments are completely unsourced with no indication of an origin.
2. Note that reporters must deal ethically with sources or they will find that these and other sources will dry up very quickly.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: on background