Understanding the concepts of “on the record” and “off the record” is crucial for ensuring ethical and transparent reporting.
On the Record
- Public Knowledge
- Information shared “on the record” signifies the source’s consent to having their name and comments published or broadcast. This information becomes part of the public record and can be freely used in your reporting.
- Attribution and Credibility
- Attributing quotes and information to an “on the record” source strengthens the credibility of your story. It allows readers to identify the source and evaluate their expertise or perspective.
- Setting Expectations
- Clearly communicate to your interviewee that anything they say “on the record” is fair game for publication, unless there’s a prior agreement to the contrary.
Off the Record
- Information shared “off the record” is intended to remain confidential. You CANNOT attribute quotes or information to the source in your reporting.
- Agreeing to “off the record” requests can foster trust with a source, potentially leading to more candid and valuable information in future interactions. However, use this approach judiciously, as it limits the usability of the information.
- Ethical Considerations
- While you can’t directly use “off the record” information, it can still shape your understanding of the story and potentially guide your line of questioning. However, avoid using anonymized quotes that closely resemble “off the record” information, as this can be a breach of trust.
Negotiating the Gray Area
- Sometimes, a source might be willing to share information “on background,” meaning you can use the information but cannot attribute it to a specific person. This can be a valuable compromise for obtaining sensitive information while protecting the source’s identity.
- If there’s any ambiguity about whether information is “on” or “off the record,” err on the side of caution and assume it’s on the record. It’s always best to explicitly confirm with the source their expectations regarding confidentiality before proceeding.
Being able to adapt to having quotes and information “on the record” and “off the record” is essential for conducting ethical and informative writing. By establishing clear ground rules and respecting source confidentiality agreements, you build trust and gain access to valuable information that strengthens your journalism.