In an investigative report on a California political family,
John Hrabe quotes anonymous sources and explains:
The first code of journalism is “to seek truth and report it.” Sometimes, anonymous or unnamed sources are the only way to tell the whole story. Don’t take my word for it. Check out New York Magazine’s Kurt Andersen on “Why Journalism Needs Anonymous Sources.”
Why do journalists use anonymous sources?
Because people who are willing to tell reporters interesting things—that is, confidential or disturbing information or opinions—are usually disinclined to appear to be the candid plain talkers or snitches or whistle-blowers or gossips or backstabbers they are.
