Do you have to report the name of your sources in news stories? Why is this"hot topic" an issue in journalism?

Question

Do you have to report the name of your sources in news stories? Why is this"hot topic" an issue in journalism?

Answer 1

In general, journalists always cite their sources both to demonstrate credibility and to keep readers from thinking this is the opinion of the journalist.

People often say, "The news media says...." but this is not true.  Journalists report what people say, and what reports indicate, and what events occurred.  

This is often somewhat of a "hot topic" when some credible people fear retribution from their employers or government and will only speak to a journalist if their name will not be reported.  

For a journalist to use an unnamed source, most news organizations require the reporter to obtain the permission of the responsible editor to protect the source.

Sometimes government officials -- who have law enforcement powers through subpoena and search warrants -- have been embarrassed by journalists and therefore threaten reporters with court action.

Many times U.S. reporters have gone to jail to protect their sources, other times news organizations have been fined for contempt of court for not divulging confidential sources.

Because of these frequent government threats of jail time and fines, reporters need to obtain the permission of the editor to conceal a source.

Hope this answer helps you.