Examples of 'anonymous sources'
by Zak Woods on Apr 6, 2009 10:30 AM EDT
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For MMA fans I am sure you have read this before, "a person close to X fighter's camp confirmed that he is indeed fighting person Y at UFC 144." Oh my god, an anonymous source! Now when an investigative article is published that uses anonymous sources, it is the job of the publication's editorial board to make sure that the reporter has done their job. This includes the disclosure of sources to the editors or an editor if the information needs to be as confidential as possible. Editors will also make sure that the journalist didn't rely on just one source. These are the normal checks and balances of within journalism. An for fans to assume that Sherdog simply didn't undergo this process, because Dana White got mad, is extremely naive. [Note by Zak Woods, 04/06/09 11:22 AM EDT: Here is an example of political reporting citing nothing but anonymous sources in the form of "reliable Justice Department source advises me...". Oh my god anonymous reporting is everywhere!]
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Exactly...
It was poor journalism at best, and most likely a drive-by hit piece. But in the end, Sherdog and Loretta have to be absolutely thrilled that because of Dana’s own stupidity, the story achieved more than they could have ever hoped for.
That not withstanding, it doesn’t change the fact that if she is a “real journalist” then she should apologize for the smear and Sherdog should invest in a book called “Editorial Standards for Dummies.”
by ProCannonFodder on Apr 6, 2009 11:01 AM EDT reply actions
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