Top 10 Rules for Citing Sources in Journalism

I recently had a fellow AC content producer ask me to post about source verification in stories. He had written a fine and sophisticated analysis about the information conflict between the United States and China but received heavy criticism from some of his readers, who claimed his article wasn't true and labeled it bad journalism. According to the CP, the main attack with his piece was an absence of citing his sources.

After reviewing the story in question, I think it would've worked beautifully as an opinion piece. It was a deep interpretation of the two countries that challenged the readers to think differently. The subjective nature of the story did not lend itself to a news piece, but it fit perfectly as an editorial.

The CP admitted he had no journalism training or experience but asked for constructive feedback to his work so he could better tackle subjects. So for those of you who would like to take on a news story but have no journalism education or experience, let me say--it's not impossible. There are some things you should keep in mind as you write though.

Before I go into some basic journalistic principles of source attribution, let me say upfront that there are times that readers will call your stories bad journalism for the mere fact that they don't agree with it or are uncomfortable with the content. Such people's opinions should not be considered, but it's up to you to make the differentiation between the informed and non-informed.

Some Immediate Obstacles for the Non-Journalist

As I said, it's not impossible to do it. But even upfront, there are things to consider. For instance, the mindset alone can hinder even the most experienced non-journalist writers. A reporter naturally writes with an objective frame of mind, free from all emotions and passions. They are trained and forced to do this for their career.

It's initially hard to overcome, and when I started reporting at 18 years old, writing subjectively was the main criticism of my articles by my editors and professors. Eventually, I learned to write objectively and the mindset came naturally.

In addition, non-journalists are going into a news story with little or no interview experience, no knowledge of AP style (the format of an article) and no training in attribution (citing your sources). So if your content's accuracy is in question, you lose all credibility. These are obstacles but not extinguishing elements. I support citizen journalism and believe the First Amendment applies to everyone.

Here are some basic rules when writing a news story to avoid subjectivity:

1. Never, ever use first person. It's one of the golden rules in journalism.

2. Always attribute. Never be vague about your sources. Be specific and use reputable, unbiased sources. For instance, don't write, "Reports show the death toll in Darfur at 400,000." Instead write, "The Associated Press reported the death toll in Darfur at 400,000 in an April 2007 article."

3. Never, ever lift a quote. If you're going to quote someone, make sure he or she is the one who told you directly.

4. In the same vein as number three, attain as much first-hand information as you can. This can be through interviews or direct experience.

5. Don't assume anything. For instance, if you're physically covering a football game and you write, "Donovan McNabb dropped back in the pocket and found Kevin Curtis for a 36-yard TD reception," then that's fine. But if you're not there, how do you know if McNabb dropped back in the pocket? It could've been a play action pass or a desperate quarterback scramble pass. Don't assume that it was a cut and dry pass if you weren't actually there.

6. Second source everything, third source it if you can. If you would like to use a document, call the author to confirm its accuracy. I had a journalism professor in college that said, "If your mother tells you 'I love you', check it out to make sure."

7. Anything even remotely subjective, such as an interpretation, attribute it. For instance, don't write, "These numbers clearly indicate that GAP Inc. continues to use sweat shops." Instead, talk to someone in the company and quote them. Example: "It's true that there's still some sweatshop labor going on overseas, but we're doing everything within our power to reduce those numbers," GAP Inc. CEO Paul Pressler said.

Or if you can't get an interview, attribute it to a strong source. For instance, "According to The New York Times, Gap Inc. CEO Paul Pressler said that his company was using sweatshops but is working to amend the situation."

However, the second method is ethically shady and should be avoided, if possible.

8. Like rotten food--when in doubt, throw it out. If you question the truth or accuracy of something or can't second source it, simply don't use it at all. If it ends up not being true, you're in a lot of trouble. Just look what happened to Dan Rather.

9. Avoid subjective language. Don't use words like "admitted" or "implied"--use "said." Also, don't venture into possibilities or causes at all. Don't say "The mass layoffs at Ford might have been because of poor management." Stay completely away from stuff like this. Don't use "could have" or "might have" or "could be" or anything along those lines.

Your role as a journalist is to REPORT, not SPECULATE.

10. Write for your readers, not for yourself. The readers only care about what you're writing about, not about you. Keep this in mind when you write. And don't fall in love with your own voice. Keep news pieces under 500 words. If you're the kind of person who wants to convey an opinion or viewpoint, put it in an editorial or column.

Final Words and Suggestions

Being diligent in truth and accuracy takes a lot of hard work. That's why people go to school for it and continuously strive for it in newsrooms. Professional journalists are accustomed to knowing what moves to make and how to be accurate in a very short amount of time.

But I say this not to discourage the non-journalist. My over-riding advice to the CP who requested this post--and anyone else it may apply to--is to take the extra time to research and attribute. You aren't up against deadlines on AC, so it's worth it to spend the time doing this.

Good luck!