Newspapers use unnamed sources less often in high-stakes coverage

Authors

Meghan R. Sobel, Regis University
Daniel Riffe, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-1-2016

Abstract

This analysis of unnamed sources in newspaper coverage of the attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, finds unnamed sources to be most common just after the attack and in its immediate aftermath. While unnamed sources were prevalent, they were less common than in studies of routine news coverage, suggesting journalists seeking transparency in reporting are less willing to grant source anonymity with high-stakes stories.

Recommended Citation

Sobel, Meghan R. and Riffe, Daniel, "Newspapers use unnamed sources less often in high-stakes coverage" (2016). Regis University Faculty Publications (comprehensive list). 465.
https://epublications.regis.edu/facultypubs/465