Quote attribution

Definition

Quote attribution is the practice of identifying and crediting the source of a direct quotation in journalism, ensuring that the voice and perspective of the speaker are accurately represented. This practice is crucial as it enhances credibility and transparency, allowing readers to understand who said what and in what context. By properly attributing quotes, journalists maintain ethical standards while providing clarity and authenticity to their narratives.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Quote attribution helps establish the credibility of a story by making it clear where information comes from and who provided it.
2. Using proper quote attribution is essential for maintaining journalistic ethics and avoiding plagiarism.
3. Attributing quotes accurately can help avoid legal issues related to defamation or misrepresentation.
4. Quote attribution can vary in style, with different news organizations adopting specific guidelines on how to format attributions.
5. In feature writing, effective quote attribution adds depth and personality to stories, allowing readers to connect with the subjects being quoted.

Review Questions

• How does quote attribution enhance the credibility of a feature story?
  • Quote attribution enhances credibility by clearly indicating who is speaking and providing context for their words. When readers know the source of a quote, they can better assess the reliability of the information presented. This transparency allows journalists to build trust with their audience, as proper attribution shows that the writer respects the voices and perspectives included in the story.
• What are some ethical considerations journalists must keep in mind regarding quote attribution?
  • Journalists must ensure that quotes are accurately attributed to the correct sources and reflect the original meaning intended by the speaker. This means avoiding selective quoting or taking statements out of context. Ethical considerations also involve being mindful of how quotes may affect a person's reputation and ensuring that all voices are represented fairly, especially when dealing with sensitive topics.
• Evaluate the impact of improper quote attribution on a journalist's work and the broader implications for public trust in media.
  • Improper quote attribution can severely damage a journalist's credibility and lead to misinformation, which can undermine public trust in media as a whole. When quotes are misattributed, it not only distorts the original message but can also result in reputational harm for both the subjects quoted and the publication. As trust in media institutions declines due to such errors, it raises concerns about accountability and responsible reporting, ultimately affecting how audiences engage with news content.

Related terms

Direct Quote: A verbatim statement from a source, enclosed in quotation marks, representing exactly what the speaker said.

Paraphrase: A restatement of someone else's ideas or statements in your own words, which still requires attribution to the original source.

Attribution Error: A common mistake in journalism where a quote or statement is misattributed to the wrong source, leading to misinformation.