What is attribution:
It tells readers where/from whom we got our information we are sharing. It lets them know how we know. Attribution gives stories credibility by telling readers where we got our information. Attribution prevents plagiarism.
The suspects were arrested hours later at their apartment, police said.
TikTok is the only social media to gain followers in 2023, according to a Pew Research report.
When should we attribute?:
Too much attribution can slow a story down. So, when do we attribute and when do we not attribute?
Attribute:
When you use someone else’s words or information
Attribute opinions
Attribute information from other news sources
Attribute information from news releases
When in doubt, attribute
Note: Use said. It has no connotation. And Steve Buttry notes: attribution can weigh down a lead, adding words and distracting from the focus. Consider what the reader needs to know in the lead. Can you state the facts of the lead without attribution? Can the attribution wait until the second paragraph or later?
No need to attribute:
Facts you observe first-hand
Facts not in dispute
When the source is obvious and not particularly important
Information in the public domain (information already reported widely)
Diversity in sources:
This is an issue in mass communication today. Some advice from NR and how NPR is keeping track.
COM252: Writing for the Mass Media 