Sources

Definition

Sources are the individuals, documents, or materials that provide information for news stories and articles. In hard news writing, sources are crucial as they lend credibility and context to the reported events, ensuring the audience receives accurate and reliable information. Journalists must evaluate the reliability of their sources to maintain ethical standards and uphold the integrity of their reporting.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Using a diverse range of sources helps ensure a well-rounded perspective in hard news writing.
2. Journalists often categorize sources as on-the-record, off-the-record, or background to determine how information can be used.
3. Confidential sources may be employed when reporting on sensitive topics, but journalists must still consider ethical implications.
4. Credibility of a source can significantly impact the trustworthiness of a news story; thus, cross-referencing information from multiple sources is common.
5. Understanding the context and potential biases of each source is key to responsible reporting in hard news writing.

Review Questions

• How do different types of sources impact the overall reliability of a hard news story?
  • Different types of sources play a crucial role in shaping the reliability of a hard news story. Primary sources, like eyewitness accounts or official documents, provide direct evidence and can enhance the story's authenticity. Conversely, secondary sources may offer context but can also introduce biases. A balanced mix of both types allows journalists to present a comprehensive view while maintaining credibility.
• Discuss the ethical considerations journalists face when using confidential sources for hard news reporting.
  • When using confidential sources, journalists must weigh the public's right to know against the potential risks to the source's safety or reputation. Ethical considerations include ensuring that the information provided is credible and important for public interest while protecting the identity of the source when necessary. It is vital for journalists to establish trust with their sources while adhering to standards that prioritize accuracy and accountability in reporting.
• Evaluate how changes in technology and social media have affected sourcing practices in hard news writing.
  • The rise of technology and social media has transformed sourcing practices in hard news writing by allowing journalists to access a wider array of information quickly. While this can enhance reporting by providing instant updates and diverse perspectives, it also presents challenges regarding accuracy and credibility. Journalists must now navigate a landscape filled with potential misinformation and ensure that their sources are legitimate and trustworthy, adapting traditional sourcing methods to suit a rapidly changing environment.

Related terms

Primary Source: A primary source is original material that provides direct evidence or firsthand testimony about an event, such as interviews, eyewitness accounts, or official documents.

Secondary Source: A secondary source interprets or analyzes primary sources, providing context or commentary, such as news articles, books, or documentaries that discuss events based on original evidence.

Attribution: Attribution is the practice of identifying the source of information in journalism, ensuring that credit is given to those who provided insights or data used in a story.