The Power of Saying 'Off the Record'

Understanding the Concept

When a source says 'off the record,' it is a request or stipulation that the information being shared should not be reported or attributed. This concept is crucial in journalism and ethical reporting. Understanding the implications and importance of 'off the record' communications is vital for both journalists and their sources.

Trust and Accountability

Trust: The effectiveness of 'off the record' communications hinges on the trust established between the journalist and the source. If the source believes that their information will remain confidential, they are more likely to provide valuable and useful insights. Conversely, if trust is lacking, the information shared may be held back or manipulated.

Journalistic Ethics: Reputable journalists and media organizations adhere to ethical standards that respect the privacy and confidentiality of sources. Adhering to these ethical guidelines builds trust with the public and ensures the credibility of the news. For instance, a journalist who consistently respects 'off the record' communications is more likely to be trusted by sources in the future.

Context Matters

Context: The context in which the information is shared can significantly influence its treatment. If the information is shared in a casual conversation without a clear indication that it is 'off the record,' it may not be considered as such. Journalists should always make it clear to their sources which information is on or off the record before the conversation begins. This clarity helps to prevent misunderstandings and protects the privacy of the source.

Legal Implications

Legal Implications: In some cases, the information shared 'off the record' can have legal ramifications. For example, if a source shares information that could have legal consequences, such as whistleblowing, the journalist must be extra cautious. There may be legal protections in place that prevent journalists from disclosing certain information unless they have a specific legal mandate to do so.

Alternatives and Best Practices

Alternatives: There are other terms used to denote confidential or off-limit information, such as 'background' or 'deep background.' These terms help to categorize the type of information and the level of confidentiality required. For instance, 'background' information can be used to convey partial details, while 'deep background' information implies that the source is comfortable with the information being used in a broader context.

Best Practices: To effectively manage 'off the record' information, journalists should:

Establish clear agreements with sources before the conversation begins. Document these agreements and ensure that off-record information is clearly marked on any recordings or notes taken during the interview. Be transparent with the audience when sharing information from 'off the record' conversations. Respect the privacy of the source and avoid disclosing any information that could cause harm.

Case Study: Julian Guthrie's Experience

I spoke to award-winning Pulitzer-nominated journalist Julian Guthrie about this concept. Julian is known for her dedication to getting facts right, ensuring the accuracy of her stories, and maintaining a high level of trustworthiness.

"I’m not going to double-cross anyone," says Guthrie. "People trust me with a lot of secrets. When someone tells me it’s 'off the record,' it’s genuinely off the record."

Guthrie provided an example from her work in How to Make a Spaceship. During the process, one of her sources, Peter Diamandis, shared information about a specific asteroid that his company was aiming to mine. Diamandis realized that disclosing such details might jeopardize the mission if competitors got wind of the information. Recognizing the potential risk, Diamandis called Guthrie immediately and assured her that the information would not be included in her report.

Follow-Up

The action taken by Diamandis and Guthrie reinforced both Guthrie's reputation as a scrupulous reporter and Diamandis' trust in her. Following this reassurance, Diamandis felt comfortable sharing 25 years of personal journals with Guthrie, which were invaluable to the project.

Reflecting on the discussion, Guthrie emphasized the importance of maintaining trust and transparency in journalism. She highlighted that if a reporter uses information given 'off the record' in a story, it can damage their relationship with sources in the future. Guthrie maintained that the integrity of the journalism and the trust of the sources are of paramount importance.

Conclusion:

While specifying 'off the record' before a conversation is paramount, it is crucial to remember that merely saying something to a journalist does not carry any inherent power. The agreement must be mutual, and the journalist must agree to not report on the information provided. This understanding helps to build a foundation of trust and accountability in journalism, ensuring that valuable stories are reported accurately and ethically.