7.3 Attribution and quotation usage

Attribution in news writing is crucial for maintaining credibility and transparency. Proper attribution allows readers to assess the reliability of sources and protects journalists from accusations of plagiarism. It's a key element in building trust between news organizations and their audience.

Methods for attribution include using "said" or "told" when quoting sources and placing attribution strategically in sentences. Direct quotes should be enclosed in quotation marks, while indirect quotes paraphrase the source's words. Avoiding common mistakes like failing to attribute or misquoting sources is essential for ethical journalism.

Attribution and Quotation Usage in News Writing

Importance of proper attribution

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• Maintains credibility and transparency in journalism
  • Allows readers to assess reliability and authority of sources
  • Distinguishes between facts, opinions, and analysis
  • Protects journalists from accusations of plagiarism or fabrication
• Builds trust between news organization and audience
  • Demonstrates commitment to accuracy and fairness
  • Enhances overall integrity of news story (The New York Times)

Methods for information attribution

• Use "said" or "told" when attributing quotes or information to source
  • Avoid words implying agreement or disagreement ("claimed," "admitted")
• Place attribution at beginning or end of sentence for clarity and emphasis
  • Beginning: "According to Mayor Smith, city council will vote on proposal next week"
  • End: "City council will vote on proposal next week, Mayor Smith said"
• Identify sources by full name, title, and organization when first mentioned
  • Subsequent references use last name or shortened title (Dr. Johnson, Professor)
• Attribute information to specific individuals, documents, or reports
  • Avoid vague attributions ("sources say," "it is believed")

Direct vs indirect quotations

• Direct quotations reproduce exact words spoken by source
  • Enclose in double quotation marks
  • Use square brackets [ ] to indicate changes or additions for clarity
  • "The new policy will go into effect on January 1," said City Manager Jane Doe. "It will [positively] impact our community"
• Indirect quotations paraphrase or summarize source's words
  • Do not use quotation marks
  • Ensure paraphrased content accurately reflects source's intended meaning
  • City Manager Jane Doe said new policy, effective January 1, will benefit community (Associated Press)

Common attribution mistakes

• Failing to attribute information or quotes to specific source
  • Leads to ambiguity and undermines credibility (The Washington Post)
• Overusing direct quotations instead of paraphrasing or summarizing
  • Disrupts article flow and readability
• Misquoting source or taking quotes out of context
  • Distorts source's intended meaning and violates journalistic ethics
• Relying on anonymous sources without sufficient justification
  • Weakens story's credibility, use only when necessary to protect source's safety or livelihood (Watergate scandal)
• Failing to verify accuracy of quotes or attributed information
  • Can lead to spread of misinformation or damage news organization's reputation (Rolling Stone's "A Rape on Campus")