Unnamed Sources: A Utilitarian Exploration of their Justification and Guidelines for Limited Use
Document Type
Article
Source of Publication
Journal of Mass Media Ethics: Exploring Questions of Media Morality
Publication Date
10-1-2011
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.
DOI Link
ISSN
Publisher
Informa UK Limited
Volume
26
Issue
4
First Page
297
Last Page
315
Disciplines
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Scopus ID
Recommended Citation
Duffy, Matt J. and Freeman, Carrie P., "Unnamed Sources: A Utilitarian Exploration of their Justification and Guidelines for Limited Use" (2011). All Works. 3825.
https://zuscholars.zu.ac.ae/works/3825
Indexed in Scopus
yes
Open Access
no