On the record vs Off the record: What’s the difference?

Handling anonymous sources is never easy if you are a journalist.

Reporters new to the field or even interviewees can be confused by the different ways of attributing information from an interview. 

In Advocacy Assembly’s latest course on Interviews for Investigative Journalists, we break it down for you and provide insight on when it is good to go off the record, on the record and on background.

To help you along the way, here is a list of definitions taken from the AP Styleguide. 

1. On the record: The information can be used with no caveats, quoting the source by name.

2. Off the record: The information cannot be used for publication.

3. Background: The information can be published but only under conditions negotiated with the source. Generally, the sources do not want their names published but will agree to a description of their position. AP reporters should object vigorously when a source wants to brief a group of reporters on background and try to persuade the source to put the briefing on the record. These background briefings have become routine in many venues, especially with government officials.

4. Deep background: The information can be used but without attribution. The source does not want to be identified in any way, even on condition of anonymity.

To learn more, sign up for Advocacy Assembly’s latest course on Interviews for Investigative Journalists by Radio Zamaneh.