Attribution

Definition

Attribution refers to the practice of identifying and crediting the sources of information in journalism, which is crucial for maintaining credibility and transparency. It ensures that readers understand where the information comes from, allowing them to evaluate its reliability. Proper attribution not only protects journalists from plagiarism but also honors the original source of the content, reinforcing ethical standards in reporting.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Attribution helps journalists build trust with their audience by showing transparency about the sources of their information.
2. In AP Style, attribution typically comes after the information it supports, often using verbs like 'said' or 'reported.'
3. Failure to attribute sources can lead to accusations of plagiarism, damaging a journalist's reputation and career.
4. Attributing information from official reports or studies adds legitimacy to a story and provides readers with context for understanding complex issues.
5. Using multiple sources for attribution can enhance a story's credibility, demonstrating that the information is corroborated by different perspectives.

Review Questions

• How does proper attribution enhance the credibility of a news story?
  • Proper attribution enhances the credibility of a news story by providing clear evidence of where information originates. When journalists attribute their sources accurately, it allows readers to assess the reliability and authority of that information. This practice not only builds trust between journalists and their audience but also upholds journalistic ethics by recognizing and honoring the contributions of original sources.
• Discuss how AP Style guidelines influence the way journalists should handle attribution in their writing.
  • AP Style guidelines significantly influence how journalists handle attribution by specifying when and how to credit sources. According to AP Style, attribution should generally come after the fact it supports and use straightforward language such as 'said' or 'reported.' This approach helps maintain clarity and consistency in reporting while ensuring that audiences can easily identify who provided the information.
• Evaluate the implications of not properly attributing sources in journalism and how it affects ethical standards within the profession.
  • Not properly attributing sources in journalism has serious implications, including potential legal consequences such as plagiarism claims and damage to a journalist's credibility. It undermines ethical standards by failing to acknowledge the work of others, which can lead to mistrust among readers. Additionally, this lack of attribution may result in spreading misinformation if unverified or biased information is presented as fact, ultimately compromising the integrity of the news organization and eroding public confidence in journalism.

Related terms

Source: A source is an individual or document from which information is obtained for a news story, which may include witnesses, experts, documents, or official statements.

Citations: Citations are formal references to sources used in journalism, usually providing details like the author's name, title of the work, and publication date.

Quoting: Quoting is the act of directly using someone else's words in a report, requiring accurate attribution to give credit to the original speaker or author.