WHAT IS ATTRIBUTION: Attribution simply means telling your readers where the information in your story comes from, as well as who is being quoted. Generally, attribution means using a source’s full name and job title (when relevant). Information from sources can be paraphrased or quoted directly. Here are some examples:
PARAPHRASE
John Jones, a resident of the neighborhood, said the sound of the tornado was terrifying.
QUOTE
“It sounded like a giant locomotive train coming through,” said John Jones, who lives in the neighborhood. “I’ve never heard anything like it.
PARAPHRASE AND QUOTE
John Jones, a resident of the neighborhood, said the sound of the tornado was terrifying.
“It sounded like a giant locomotive train coming through. I’ve never heard anything like it,” Jones said.
Notice that in news writing style we use a source’s full name on first reference, then just the last name on all subsequent references. If your source has a specific title or rank, use their title before their full name on first reference, then just the last name after that.
WHEN TO ATTRIBUTE: Any time the information in your story comes from a source, and not from your own firsthand observations, it should be attributed. A good rule is to attribute once per paragraph. It may seem repetitive, but it is important for reporters to be clear about where their information originates.
TYPES OF ATTRIBUTION:
ON THE RECORD: All statements are directly quotable and attributable, by name and title, to the person making the statement. Example: “The U.S. has no plans to invade Iran,” said White House press secretary Jim Smith. All reporters should strive to have their sources speak on the record whenever possible as named sources give stories greater credibility.
ON BACKGROUND: All statements are directly quotable, but cannot be attributed by name or specific title to the person commenting. Example: “The U.S. has no plans to invade Iran,” a White House spokesperson said.
ON DEEP BACKGROUND: Anything that is said in the interview is usable but not in direct quotation and not for attribution. The reporter writes it on his or her own. Example: The U.S. has no plans to invade Iran.
OFF THE RECORD: Information is for the reporter’s use only and is not to be printed or made public in any way. The information also is not to be taken to another source in hopes of getting confirmation.