Attribution and quotation are essential tools in a journalist's arsenal. They lend credibility to reporting and bring stories to life. From direct quotes to paraphrasing, journalists must master various techniques to accurately convey information from sources.

Proper attribution is crucial for transparency and protecting against accusations of plagiarism. Journalists must carefully evaluate source credibility and choose appropriate attribution verbs. These skills are fundamental to producing trustworthy and impactful news stories.

Quoting Sources

Types of Quotations and Their Usage

• Direct quotation reproduces a source's exact words enclosed in quotation marks
  • Preserves the original wording and tone of the speaker
  • Used for impactful statements or when precise language is crucial
  • Requires careful transcription to ensure accuracy
• Indirect quotation conveys the meaning of a source's words without using their exact phrasing
  • Allows for more concise reporting of lengthy statements
  • Useful when the exact wording is less important than the overall message
  • Must still accurately represent the source's intended meaning
• Paraphrasing restates a source's ideas in the journalist's own words
  • Helps simplify complex concepts for readers
  • Allows for integration of multiple sources' ideas
  • Requires a thorough understanding of the original content to avoid misrepresentation

Formatting and Structural Considerations

• Block quotes format longer quotations as separate, indented paragraphs
  • Typically used for quotes exceeding 40 words or four lines of text
  • Draws attention to significant or detailed statements
  • Does not require quotation marks due to distinct formatting
• Partial quotes incorporate select words or phrases from a source within the journalist's sentence
  • Highlights key terminology or memorable phrases
  • Maintains the flow of the article while including source language
  • Requires careful integration to ensure grammatical consistency

Attribution Basics

Understanding Attribution and Its Importance

• Attribution identifies the source of information in a news story
  • Provides transparency and credibility to the reporting
  • Allows readers to assess the reliability of the information
  • Protects journalists from accusations of plagiarism or fabrication
• Attribution verbs introduce quotes or paraphrased information
  • Common verbs include "said," "stated," "explained," and "noted"
  • More specific verbs like "argued," "emphasized," or "cautioned" can convey additional context
  • Choice of verb can subtly influence reader perception of the source's tone or intent

Evaluating and Presenting Source Credibility

• Source credibility determines the weight given to a particular piece of information
  • Factors include expertise, authority, and relevance to the topic
  • Journalists must assess and communicate a source's qualifications to readers
• Establishing credibility involves providing relevant details about the source
  • Include titles, affiliations, or specific experiences that qualify the source to speak on the topic
  • Balance the need for thorough attribution with maintaining story flow
• Anonymous sources require special consideration and justification
  • Used when information is crucial but the source faces potential harm if identified
  • Requires explanation of why anonymity was granted and how the source is qualified to provide information