The Sources We Use

While I am a huge proponent of journalists using the web to access factual information, I think it’s important that we take into account the strength of our source material. Just as CNN looks stupid when it credits the tabloids on a Michael Jackson story (my jaw hit the ground when that story recently aired), online reporters should be wary of forwarding material to the public, based on less-than-respectable sources.

For example, I was particularly sorry to see newspapers cover the “John Kerry possibly, maybe, I heard a rumor that he had an affair” story, particularly since the scoop came from The Drudge Report. This “World Exclusive” rumor was credited to a single, anonymous source, without any factual documentation to back up its adulterous claims, and yet the media gnawed on the innuendo until the alleged affair was fully denied by everyone involved.

There are many useful resources online, but each site must be weighed and measured for quality. Perhaps newsrooms can follow the example set by the New York Times (my former employer), and compile a list of credible sources for its staff. Poynter.org also offers some excellent links.