Title
Unnamed Sources: A Utilitarian Exploration of their Justification and Guidelines for Limited Use
Source of Publication
Journal of Mass Media Ethics: Exploring Questions of Media Morality
Abstract
This article critically examines the practice of unnamed sourcing in journalism. A literature review highlights arguments in favor of and against their use. The authors examine some common examples of anonymous sourcing using the lens of utilitarianism, the ethical model commonly used to justify the practice. We find that few uses of unnamed sourcing can be justified when weighed against diminished credibility and threats to fair, transparent reporting. The authors suggest specific guidelines for journalists that, if followed, would curb many of the pedestrian uses of unnamed sourcing but still allow for the practice in specific circumstances. © 2011 Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.
Document Type
Article
First Page
297
Last Page
315
Publication Date
10-1-2011
DOI
10.1080/08900523.2011.606006
Recommended Citation
Duffy, Matt J. and Freeman, Carrie P., "Unnamed Sources: A Utilitarian Exploration of their Justification and Guidelines for Limited Use" (2011). Scopus Indexed Articles. 2091.
https://zuscholars.zu.ac.ae/scopus-indexed-articles/2091