This document discusses the importance of sources in journalism and provides guidance on working with different types of sources. It notes that sources provide timely information to reporters and are essential to creating reports. However, reporters must be careful in protecting source identities and maintaining objectivity. The document cautions about types of unreliable sources like liars seeking publicity, hoaxsters spreading misinformation, and promoters pushing agendas. It advises reporters to verify information from multiple sources and be skeptical of leaks and online information. Finally, it outlines different types of sources reporters may use, including other reporters, primary witnesses, documents, and secondary sources like police, while being wary of anonymous tips.

1. News SourceNews Source
Syed Mahfujul Haque MarjanSyed Mahfujul Haque Marjan
Lecturer, Department ofLecturer, Department of
Journalism and MassJournalism and Mass
CommunicationCommunication

2. What is News SourceWhat is News Source
In Journalism a source is a person, publication, or otherIn Journalism a source is a person, publication, or other
record or document that gives timely information.record or document that gives timely information.
What do you think?What do you think?

3. Keeping the SourceKeeping the Source
• Source is the reporter’s life blood.
• No information, no report.
• The source will provide the information
and brief the reporter.
• The reporter will write a fair account of the
material.
• Day by day, reporter’s dependence on
sources increases.

4. Be Careful in Protecting SourcesBe Careful in Protecting Sources
• Sometimes a reporter is asked to protect a source’s
identity.
• Newspapers and journalists are bound to disclose the
name of sources. If it is needed, according to
Bangladesh Press Council Act 1974.
• But reality is different.
• You can not disclose the name and identity of sources.
• Friendship not dependence on sources. Otherwise you
can lose your objectivity. Best Example??? Any
Idea????

5. Sources to BewareSources to Beware
• The Liars
 If you tell a lie for hundred times, it becomes
truth.
Sometimes, sources lie.
They want publicity by a story starved reporter.
They want favorable stories for his clients.
Most of the cases lawyer, police, politicians tell
lie.

6. The HoaxstersThe Hoaxsters
• Engaged in sick humor
• Any idea?
• They call the reporters the death of people who
are alive.
• What should you do?
• Cross check the information.

7. The PromotersThe Promoters
• He/She is a pushing guy
• It may be for
Commercial venture
Product
Political candidate
Be careful with the specialists

8. LeaksLeaks
• Officials, agencies, departments, ministers-
everyone leaks information
• But no one wants his/her name as a source
• To serve leaker’s purpose is the most common
practice
• It can be whistleblower
• Try to maintain a line between the leaker’s purpose
and the public’s needs
• Few suggestions-
 Be skeptical
 Cross check the information from other two sources

9. Online CautionsOnline Cautions
• Over information and
deceptive information
• Don’t depend too
much on web
• Cross check again

10. Types of SourcesTypes of Sources
• Reporters- Try to make a good relationship with
the reporters. Use night shift.
• Primary Sources - Who is in center of an event.
• Written Sources- Not all primary sources will be
spoken. Written reports can make an excellent
source of information for a journalist.
• Leaked Documents- Leaked documents are
often excellent sources of news stories because
they can contain information which someone
wants to keep secret.

11. Types of Sources (continued)Types of Sources (continued)
• Secondary Sources- Secondary sources are those people who do not make
the news, but who pass it on. Ex. eyewitnesses, police.
• Tip-offs- Anonymous (meaning "no name"). These are the most dangerous
sources of information and should only be used with extreme caution.
• Attribution-
 On the record, which means you can use both their words and their name
• Non-attributable, which means you can use the information, but not the
source's name;
• Off the record, which means you cannot use either the information or the
source's name.