Attribution Rules

Why This Matters

Attribution is the backbone of credible journalism—it's what separates professional reporting from rumor and opinion. When you're tested on newswriting, you're being evaluated on whether you understand why sources matter, how to present them without disrupting your narrative, and when attribution is non-negotiable versus optional. These rules connect directly to core journalism principles: accuracy, transparency, and accountability.

Think of attribution as your contract with readers. Every time you credit a source, you're saying, "Here's where this came from—go verify it yourself if you want." Master these rules and you'll handle any scenario an exam throws at you, from identifying attribution errors to rewriting clunky quotes. Don't just memorize the rules—know what principle each one protects and why breaking it damages your credibility.

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Establishing Source Credibility

Strong attribution starts with clearly identifying who is speaking and why their voice matters. These rules ensure readers can assess the reliability of your information.

Identify Sources Clearly and Accurately

• Full identification prevents ambiguity—state who the source is with enough detail that readers understand their authority on the topic
• Context matters for credibility; a "police spokesperson" carries different weight than "a witness" or "an anonymous tip"
• Vague sourcing weakens your story—"officials say" or "sources report" leaves readers questioning whose information they're trusting

Use Full Names on First Reference

• First reference requires full name plus title—"Police Chief Maria Santos" establishes both identity and authority
• Subsequent references use last name only—"Santos" keeps the text clean while maintaining clarity
• Titles provide instant context—readers immediately understand why this person is worth quoting

Include Relevant Titles or Credentials

• Credentials establish expertise—"Dr. James Chen, an epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins" tells readers this source has authority
• Titles signal perspective—a "company spokesperson" versus a "union representative" frames how readers interpret the information
• Omitting credentials can mislead—quoting someone without context may give their words unearned weight

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Choosing the Right Format

How you present attributed information affects both clarity and credibility. Direct quotes, paraphrases, and partial quotes each serve different purposes.

Use Direct Quotes for Exact Wording

• Direct quotes preserve voice and tone—use them when the speaker's exact words are powerful, controversial, or uniquely phrased
• Quotation marks signal precision—you're telling readers these are the source's exact words, so accuracy is non-negotiable
• Overusing quotes clutters your writing—save them for statements that lose impact when paraphrased

Paraphrase for General Ideas

• Paraphrasing summarizes without distorting—you're conveying the source's meaning in your own words while still crediting them
• Attribution remains required—"According to the report" or "Chen said" must still appear even without quotation marks
• Use paraphrase for routine information—statistics, background facts, and procedural details rarely need exact wording

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Placing Attribution Effectively

Where you position attribution affects readability and narrative flow. Placement is a craft decision, not just a grammar rule.

Place Attribution at the Beginning or End of Sentences

• Beginning attribution sets context—"According to the police report, three suspects fled the scene" prepares readers for what follows
• Ending attribution maintains flow—"Three suspects fled the scene, according to the police report" lets the information land first
• Mid-sentence attribution disrupts reading—"Three suspects, according to the police report, fled the scene" breaks the narrative momentum

Use "Said" as the Primary Attribution Verb

• "Said" is invisible by design—it's neutral, unobtrusive, and lets the content speak for itself
• Synonyms introduce interpretation—"claimed," "admitted," or "revealed" all carry connotations that may bias readers
• Consistency signals professionalism—varying attribution verbs for style points usually backfires

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Knowing When Attribution Is Required

Not everything needs attribution, but certain categories always do. Understanding the line between common knowledge and attributable information is essential.

Always Attribute Information That Is Not Common Knowledge

• Common knowledge needs no source—"The U.S. has 50 states" or "Water freezes at 32°F" are universally accepted facts
• Anything specific, contested, or new requires attribution—statistics, study findings, and expert analysis must be sourced
• When in doubt, attribute—failing to credit sources risks plagiarism accusations and damages credibility

Attribute Opinions and Controversial Statements

• Opinions are never facts—even when you agree with them, opinions must be clearly tied to a source
• Controversial claims require extra care—readers need to know who is making the assertion so they can evaluate it
• This protects journalistic objectivity—your job is to report what people say, not to endorse it

Attribute Information from Other Publications

• Citing other outlets acknowledges their work—"The Times first reported that..." gives credit where it's due
• It also signals secondhand information—readers understand you didn't independently verify this
• Failure to attribute is plagiarism—even paraphrased reporting from other sources requires citation

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Handling Sensitive Sourcing

Some situations require extra judgment about how to attribute—or whether to grant anonymity at all.

Avoid Anonymous Sources Unless Absolutely Necessary

• Anonymity undermines trust—readers can't assess credibility when they don't know who's speaking
• If required, explain why—"a senior official who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter" provides context
• Always push for on-the-record sourcing first—anonymous sources should be a last resort, not a convenience

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Quick Reference Table

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Self-Check Questions

1. A source says, "This policy will destroy small businesses." Should you use a direct quote or paraphrase, and why does it matter for attribution?

2. Compare "The senator claimed the bill would help families" with "The senator said the bill would help families." What's the difference, and which follows attribution best practices?

3. Which of these requires attribution: (a) "The election is in November," (b) "Voter turnout is expected to reach 65%," (c) "The candidate supports tax reform"? Explain your reasoning for each.

4. You have information from a source who insists on anonymity. What two things must you do before using this information in your story?

5. Rewrite this sentence to fix the attribution error: "The fire, according to Chief Williams, started in the basement and, she added, spread quickly to the upper floors."