Daily Signal:
Trump Doesn’t Like So Many Anonymous Sources, and Neither Do These Journalism Experts.
Last week, when pressed to answer questions about reports that Jared Kushner set up back-channel communications with the Russian government, White House press secretary Sean Spicer frequently responded by considering the source—or lack thereof.
“I’m not going to dignify partisan accusations of anonymous sources and alleged—unsubstantiated attacks,” Spicer told reporters Tuesday during exchanges that became testy at times when answering questions about President Donald Trump’s son-in-law and senior adviser.
The use of anonymous sources in stories critical of the president have been under the Trump White House’s skin for some time, though Rick Edmonds, a media business analyst at the Poynter Institute, which studies journalism and the media, wasn’t sure there are more stories based on anonymous sources under Trump than past presidents.
“Anonymous sources are bad in theory, because generally, journalists should try to get people on the record,” Edmonds told The Daily Signal. “But sometimes that is the only way to get ledes and background. If a reporter stands on principle and says, ‘I will not do that,’ they will miss out on information.”
Edmonds said there is typically a different set of rules in Washington than at news outlets in other places.
Most of the anonymously sourced stories have been about alleged ties to Trump and Russia. Other frequent topics are about infighting in the White House.
During his speech in late February, at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Maryland, Trump went so far as to accuse the media of making up anonymous sources.
“I’m against people that make up stories and make up sources,” Trump said. “They shouldn’t be allowed to use sources unless they use the name. ‘A source says Donald Trump is a horrible human being.’ Let them say it to my face. There are some great reporters, honest, talented as the day is long. But also dishonest people doing a disservice to the country.”
The Society of Professional Journalists tightened the organization’s code of ethics in 2014 to dissuade the use of anonymous sources. It calls for journalists to “identify sources whenever feasible. The public is entitled to as much information as possible on sources’ reliability,” and to “always question sources’ motives before promising anonymity. Clarify conditions attached to any promise made in exchange for information. Keep promises.”
Journalism no longer exists.
It’s been killed by Millenial girls, 23-29, tweeting OMG!!!! rumors and gossip while seated on their toilets at home.
Editing and fact checking no longer exist. They are no longer even taught.
Hit SEND from your bedroom and it’s instantly on your employer’s webpage.
The big take-away here is the journalists actually have a code of ethics. Who knew?
The Bloomberg msNBC guardian Joe Circus Clowns would be in Hollywood instead, if they had to abide by ‘standards’ when crafting their scripts that hit the 6,7,8,9 & 10 C & D Blocks.
90% of the agitproppers of the
press want to damage Trump in
any way possible. We listen to
them at our (nation’s) peril.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
This.
Phuck the media.
These are the insipid stooges that worshiped the complete fraud that was Barry Obama.