Anonymous Sources
Using sources anonymously is exceptional. We rely on anonymous sourcing only when the material is in the public interest, cannot be obtained on the record, and the source faces real risk of harm or retaliation.
The rules we follow
- Senior-editor approval is required before publishing information from an anonymous source.
- The journalist documents the source's identity and credibility internally.
- Anonymous claims are independently corroborated wherever possible.
- The published story explains why anonymity was granted and describes the corroboration used, without revealing the source.
- Anonymous sourcing is not acceptable for routine or low-impact reporting.
What you will see
Where anonymity is used, the story will carry a short note explaining the reason for it, confirming that a senior editor approved it, and describing how the claim was corroborated.
Questions: [email protected]
