MENCHER CHAPTER 2

The qualities of a good news story

accurate - accuracy is essential

properly attributed

complete

balanced, fair and objective

brief and focused, and well-written

Four types of attribution:

On the record: All statements are directly quotable and attributable, by name and title, to the person making the statement.

"The U.S. has no plans to invade Iran," said White House press secretary Jim Smith.
 

On Background: All statements are directly quotable, but can't be attributed by name or specific title to the person commenting.

"The U.S. has no plans to invade Iran," a White House spokesman said.
 

On Deep Background: Anything that is said in the interview is usable but not in direct quotation and not for attribution. The reporter writes it on his or her own.

The U.S. has no plans to invade Iran.
 

Off the record: Information is for the reporter's use only and is not to be printed or made public in anyway. The information also is not to be taken to another source in hopes of getting confirmation.

Sources

What is an anonymous source?

How to work with anonymous sources

Unnamed sources: essential or overused?

AP rules on anonymous sources

The most famous anonymous source of all time - Deepthroat.