Friday November 21, 2008

On Anonymous Sources: Deborah Howell

Teaser: 
Washington Post Ombudsman Deborah Howell's simple rules on how to use anonymous sources, if you've decided their use is necessary.
Byline: 
Deborah Howell, Ombudsman - Washington Post
Body: 

These two practical instructions explain how to handle writing with anonymous sources even after you have decided to use the information you have been given.

  1. Never use an anonymous source to offer an opinion of another person.
  2. Never use an anonymous source as the first quote of a story.