AITI 2006 Attribution
Some thoughts on attribution:
The information is a matter of public record
The city budget in fiscal year 2003-04 was $42 million.
It is generally known
Election day is the Tuesday following the second Monday in November.
It is available from several sources
And you have checked with several of them
You are a witness
Do not name yourself as a source
It is easily verifiable and you have verified it
• When using a direct quote
• When using an indirect quote
• When paraphrasing an opinion or assumption
• When you aren't sure whether attribution is needed
Off the record: You may not use the information, but you may seek it out from another source.
Not for attribution: You may use the information but may not attribute it.
Background: You may use it with a general title for a source (for example: "a White House aide said. ")
Deep background: You may use the information, but you may not indicate any source.
REMEMBER BEN BRADLEE'S WATERGATE POLICY:
Nothing can be used from an anonymous source unless it can be confirmed by a second, independent anonymous source.
In essence, one anonymous source should be treated as a tip!