Attribution

Definition

Attribution is the practice of crediting sources for information, quotes, and ideas in news reporting. This essential element helps establish credibility, allows readers to verify information, and supports transparency in journalism, fostering trust between reporters and their audience.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Attribution helps prevent plagiarism by ensuring that original ideas and statements from sources are properly credited.
2. Using clear attribution can enhance the quality of a news story by providing context about where the information is coming from.
3. Journalists often use phrases like 'according to' or 'as stated by' when attributing information to sources.
4. Proper attribution is vital for maintaining objectivity and avoiding bias, as it allows readers to see the various perspectives presented in a news story.
5. Attributing multimedia elements, like images or videos, is just as important as attributing text-based information to uphold ethical standards in reporting.

Review Questions

• How does proper attribution impact the credibility of a news story?
  • Proper attribution significantly enhances the credibility of a news story by allowing readers to trace the information back to its original source. When journalists clearly indicate where their information comes from, it builds trust with the audience and reinforces the integrity of the reporting. This transparency enables readers to evaluate the reliability of the information presented, which is crucial for informed decision-making.
• Discuss how attribution can help journalists avoid bias in their reporting.
  • Attribution plays a critical role in helping journalists avoid bias by ensuring that multiple perspectives are represented and credited within a news story. By attributing information to various sources, reporters can provide a balanced view that reflects different opinions and data. This practice encourages fair representation and prevents any single narrative from dominating the story, thus maintaining journalistic integrity.
• Evaluate the ethical implications of failing to properly attribute sources in news reporting.
  • Failing to properly attribute sources in news reporting raises serious ethical concerns, including issues of plagiarism and misinformation. When journalists do not credit their sources, they undermine the foundation of trust necessary for responsible journalism. This lack of transparency can mislead readers and damage the reputation of news organizations. Additionally, it denies original contributors recognition for their work, which goes against ethical standards and principles within the profession.

Related terms

Source: A source refers to a person or document that provides information or evidence used in news reporting.

Citation: A citation is a reference to a source of information, often used to acknowledge where specific facts or quotes were obtained.

Quoting: Quoting involves directly using the exact words of a source in a news story, requiring proper attribution to give credit.