Unnamed Sources Policy

Unnamed sources policy for CDM, news you need to know RIGHT NOW in the U.S. and in high-interest regions around the world.

We use confidential sources sparingly to provide important information that cannot be obtained through on-the-record sources. Reporters should disclose the identity of unnamed sources to at least one editor.

We always assume that government snoops, law enforcement or hackers might access our regular communication channels when we grant confidentiality to a source. We should use technology such as encryption software or “burner” cell phones to protect confidentiality. We don’t approach sources or start interviews with an offer of confidentiality. We presume that every interview is on the record until a source requests confidentiality.

We mark clearly in our notes when a source goes off the record (and mark clearly again if the source goes back on the record).

We ask sources who don’t want to speak for the record if they can provide documentation of what they tell us, or if they can refer us to other sources who might speak for the record or provide documentation.