Unnamed Sources Policy
When unnamed or confidential sources may be considered, when they are avoided and how AZAR NEWS protects reader trust.
Updated
Named, on-the-record sources are preferred at AZAR NEWS. Anonymous sourcing is a limited exception rather than a routine reporting method.
When Anonymity May Be Considered
- the source's identity is known to the editorial team;
- the source has direct knowledge of the information;
- the information is important and credible;
- it cannot reasonably be obtained on the record;
- identification could create a legitimate professional, legal or safety risk;
- the editorial value outweighs the loss of transparency.
When We Normally Avoid Anonymous Sourcing
- personal attacks;
- unsupported allegations;
- routine promotional claims;
- competitor attacks;
- speculation intended mainly to cause reputational harm;
- medical, legal, financial or safety claims without reliable confirmation;
- claims that can reasonably be verified through authoritative public sources.
Editorial Approval
The relevant editor should know who the source is, understand how the source knows the information and understand why anonymity is justified.
Anonymity cannot substitute for evidence.
Corroboration and Source Description
Anonymous claims should be corroborated where reasonably possible using documents, data, official statements or additional sources.
Where possible, the article should explain why the unnamed source has relevant knowledge and why anonymity was granted without revealing identifying details.
Sensitive Allegations
Additional caution applies to claims involving legality, licensing, financial misconduct, payment failures, fraud, safety and serious reputational harm.
AZAR NEWS generally avoids publishing sensitive allegations based solely on one anonymous source without supporting evidence.
Reader Trust
Readers can report sourcing or factual concerns to corrections@azarnews.info.
AZAR NEWS does not promise to reveal the identity of a source whose confidentiality has been appropriately protected.
New York, NY 10036
United States