Permission for attribution

Definition

Permission for attribution refers to the practice of obtaining consent from sources before using their statements or ideas in a published work, ensuring that they are properly credited. This concept emphasizes the ethical responsibility of journalists to honor the rights and wishes of their sources, fostering trust and respect in the journalist-source relationship.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Obtaining permission for attribution is crucial for maintaining transparency and credibility in journalism.
2. When sources grant permission for attribution, they often feel more valued and respected, leading to stronger relationships with journalists.
3. Failure to secure permission can result in mistrust between journalists and sources, potentially jeopardizing future interviews.
4. Attribution helps readers understand the context and authority behind the information presented, enhancing the integrity of the reporting.
5. Journalists should always clarify how their quotes or statements will be used to ensure sources are comfortable with their level of visibility.

Review Questions

• Why is obtaining permission for attribution important in building relationships with sources?
  • Obtaining permission for attribution is essential because it demonstrates respect for a source's contributions and fosters trust. When journalists ask for consent to attribute statements, it shows that they value the source's voice and wish to give them proper credit. This practice can lead to more open communication and willingness from sources to share additional insights in future interactions.
• How does the concept of permission for attribution relate to ethical journalism practices?
  • Permission for attribution directly ties into ethical journalism as it aligns with the principles of honesty and respect. Ethical journalism dictates that reporters should not misrepresent their sources or exploit their words without consent. By adhering to this practice, journalists uphold the integrity of their work and ensure that they are accountable to both their sources and their audience.
• Evaluate the potential consequences for a journalist who fails to obtain permission for attribution before using a source's quotes.
  • Failing to obtain permission for attribution can have serious repercussions for a journalist, including damaging relationships with sources and undermining their own credibility. If a source feels misrepresented or exploited, they may refuse future cooperation, leading to a lack of access to valuable information. Moreover, such actions can trigger legal ramifications if the source feels their rights have been violated, ultimately impacting the journalist's reputation and career in the field.

Related terms

Source Confidentiality: The practice of keeping a source's identity secret, often used to protect whistleblowers or those sharing sensitive information.

Quoting Sources: The act of directly citing someone’s words in a story, which typically requires permission and accurate attribution.

Ethical Journalism: A framework guiding journalists to report truthfully and responsibly, which includes obtaining permission from sources before using their statements.