Summary
NPR sometimes uses anonymous sources to share important information in their stories. They follow a careful process to decide when it is necessary to keep a source's identity secret to protect them or when the information is crucial for the public.
Key Facts
- NPR uses anonymous sources to report important stories that may otherwise go unreported.
- The preference is to name sources, but anonymity is considered if disclosure risks the source's job or safety.
- NPR grants anonymity only after senior editors approve based on specific guidelines.
- Editors balance transparency with the potential harm the source may face.
- Vetting involves confirming the source's credibility and the importance of their information.
- If anonymity is granted, NPR explains why in the story.
- NPR avoids using pseudonyms to maintain factual reporting.
- NPR's ethics handbook provides additional information on these practices.
