The document outlines guidelines for using quotations and attributions in journalism, focusing on when to use direct, partial, or indirect quotes based on their articulation, significance, and emotional impact. It emphasizes the importance of accurate quoting, ethical considerations regarding anonymous sources, and provides advice on attribution to maintain credibility and clarity. Additionally, it addresses the complexities of handling quotes with obscenities and the ethical implications of off-the-record information.

1. Quotations and Attributions

2. Types of Quotations
• Complete direct quotations
• Partial quotations
• Indirect/paraphrased quotations

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

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

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

6. Direct Quotes
• If the quote is quirky or captures the source’s
personality
• If it is emotional or highly opinionated

7. Quote Problems
• Avoid rambling quotes
• Avoid quotes with too much technical lingo

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

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

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]

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---!

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

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

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.”

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.).

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

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

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

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

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”

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

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

23. Policies
• Some publications do not allow anonymous
sources
• Some require you to disclose the info to your
superior

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?