Quotations And Attributions

Slide 1: Quotations and Attributions Chapter 7 JOURN 305

Slide 2: Types of Quotations  Complete direct quotations  Partial quotations  Indirect/paraphrased quotations

Slide 3: Using Direct Quotes  Use quote if it is particularly articulate or powerful in the wording  Most people do not speak in a way that translates well into a quote

Slide 4: Using Direct Quotes  Only use a quote if it conveys something that can’t be communicated better in your own words  If it isn’t articulate, then a better strategy is paraphrasing what the subject has told you

Slide 5: Direct Quotes  If the subject is well known, then a direct quote may be appropriate – The more significant the interviewee is, the more likely a reader will be interested  Make sure that the quote is used to add a unique angle or credibility to the story

Slide 6: Direct Quotes  If the quote is quirky or captures the source’s personality  If it is emotional or highly opinionated

Slide 7: Quote Problems  Avoid rambling quotes  Avoid quotes with too much technical lingo

Slide 8: Quoting Accurately  If the grammar is poor, then some reporters will “clean up” the quote  This practice varies by publication  HOWEVER, if the interview was witnessed by multiple media outlets (example: press conference) then you should leave the quotes alone

Slide 9: (sic)  If you want to be cautious, then you can use the “(sic)” notation in your printed quote to notate a grammatical error made by your subject

Slide 10: Editing Quotes  Never make up a quote  Don’t add words to a quote  Exception: You may “clean up” the grammar if it is minimal and does not change the context – [Be sure to put the changed words in brackets]

Slide 11: Holy S---!  Most publications shy away from obscenities, unless: – It is part of a quote – It is relevant for the story or point  In many cases, the obscenity is altered with dashes – S---! – F---!

Slide 12: Attribution  In most cases, the simple verb “said” is appropriate since it is neutral – Example: “This is a quote,” the teacher said.  There are other verbs you can use, but be conservative

Slide 13: Verbs to Avoid  Minimize use of attribution verbs that are not neutral  “ ,” he cried.  “ ,” she emphasized.  “ ,” she contended.

Slide 14: Identification in Attribution  Attribute with the name and job title. – AFTER Example: “This year’s textbooks are going to be more expensive,” said The Bookie sales manager Mary Smith. – BEFORE Example: Mary Smith, a sales manager at The Bookie, said “This year’s textbooks are going to be more expensive.”

Slide 15: Middle Initials  AP Stylebook recommends that you use them. – Particularly in hard news stories where they help identify a specific individual, such as casualty lists and stories naming the accused in a crime. This helps to minimize confusion.  A middle initial may be dropped if a person does not use one or is publicly known without it: Mickey Mantle (not Mickey C.), the Rev. Billy Graham (not Billy F.).

Slide 16: Talking to Sources  Many of the best stories will not originate from a news release  By nurturing your sources, you will be more likely to get closer to the truth  The longer you work with a source, the more likely you are to determine the relevance of the information that comes from that source

Slide 17: Sources  Some sources will want to remain anonymous  If you agree to keep their identity private, it is unethical to reveal their names to anyone

Slide 18: Exceptions:  Government subpoena – If it is determined to jeopardize the national security or is essential is solving a crime  Publication policy – Due to some problems with reporter integrity, some publications are now requiring reporters to share the identity of the anonymous reporter with their supervising editor

Slide 19: Recent Example  Josh Wolf was in jail for 226 days for refusing to turn over raw news video footage to authorities  This is the longest time a journalist has been imprisoned in the U.S. for protecting source materials

Slide 20: Use Caution  Be aware of sources that have an axe to grind  Do they have an agenda?  Are they telling the truth?  Are they reliable? – Substance abuse = suspicion  Do they really have a direct connection to the news event? – Be careful of “hearsay”

Slide 21: Gossip Alert  A newspaper is not supposed to be a tabloid  Verify information provided by your sources  Is the information relevant to the news value of the story? – Juicy “gossip” may not equate to news

Slide 22: Anonymous Sources  On the record – Everything can be quoted with attribution  Background – Everything can be quoted but no attribution  Deep background – No quotes can be used, no attribution – but information can be used  Off the record – No quotes, no attribution

Slide 23: Policies  Some publications do not allow anonymous sources  Some require you to disclose the info to your superior

Slide 24: “Off the Record”  Hotly debated topic  Is it ethical to gather info “off the record”?  Should everything be fair game?  Can you use information gained “off the record” without directly quoting the information or source?

Slide 25: In-Class Writing  Go to the class blog for an exercise on direct vs. indirect quotes  http://wsu-journ305.blogspot.com