Journalistic principles

Use of sources and quotes:

Here we analyse whether any sources and quotes included by the journalist in question are being appropriately used to give an accurate overall picture. This includes:

  • Inaccurate use of quotes or evidence
  • Unreliable sources
  • Reliance on a single source
  • Inaccurate identification of a source
  • Exclusion of sources available to provide relevant information


  • Inaccurate use of quotes or evidence
    This category refers to situations when a source or quote used to back up claims is used incorrectly. Thus, a journalist who cited a BBC programme  as the source for the claim that Israel used chemical weapons in Gaza in February 2001, used the source inaccurately since at no time in the programme he appears to be quoting from was it stated directly that Israel used chemical weapons in Gaza.

  • Unreliable sources
    Using unreliable sources is likely to lead to inaccuracies. For example, when a journalist relies upon a person or organisation that has been widely discredited, it is likely that an inaccuracy will result.

  • Reliance on a single source
    Relying on a single source or on sources that only represent one side of the story may portray an incomplete picture and lead to one-sidedness. An example for this would be relying on Hamas alone for Palestinian casualty figures.

  • Inaccurate identification of a source
    ­Sources used must be accurately described and identified so that the reader or audience is aware of exactly who is behind the expressed view. For example, if Gush Shalom, an organisation on the margins of the Israeli peace movement, were to be used as a source and described as a ‘mainstream group’, this would be inaccurate identification of a source.

  • Exclusion of sources available to provide relevant information
    Including sources that support one side of the argument whilst omitting sources from the other side. For example, a programme about life in Bethlehem which does not interview or question any Israeli sources, despite Israel coming under strong criticism through much of the programme.


 


Key quotes:

"Our output must be well sourced, based on sound evidence, thoroughly tested and presented in clear, precise language. We should be honest and open about what we don't know and avoid unfounded speculation."
BBC Editorial Guidelines

“We should be reluctant to rely on a single source. If we do rely on a single source, a named on the record source is always preferable.”
BBC Editorial Guidelines