Last updated on 2024年4月30日

What do you do if your sources are in conflict?

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As a journalist, you might sometimes find that your sources provide conflicting information. This can be a challenging situation, but it's essential to handle it with integrity and a commitment to accuracy. Your credibility is on the line, so take a deep breath and prepare to dig deeper. You'll need to assess each source's reliability, cross-check the information, and possibly find additional sources to get to the bottom of the conflict. Remember, your role is to report the truth, even if it requires extra legwork.

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1 Assess Reliability

When confronted with conflicting sources, your first task is to evaluate the reliability of each one. Consider the source's history, expertise, and potential biases. Are they an eyewitness, an expert in the field, or someone with secondhand information? Understanding their perspective and possible motives can help you weigh their statements. If a source has provided reliable information in the past or has direct experience with the subject matter, their account may carry more weight.

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Hannington Osodo

TV Operations Manager |Production Risk and Safety Advisor| Creative Director
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One thing I found helpful when I was a journalist was never to rely on two or three sources, particularly for remote stories. To rule out hearsay, cultivate more than two sources with no direct interest/gain from the story. Dig deeper for more information...But a story can also be slated "unverified" if it must be reported.

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2 Cross-Check Facts

Once you've assessed the reliability of your sources, cross-check the facts they've provided. Look for documentation or corroboration from other independent sources. This might include public records, previous reports, or additional eyewitnesses. It's crucial to remain neutral and not cherry-pick evidence that supports one source over another. Your goal is to construct an accurate narrative based on the most reliable information available.

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Dave Malyon

Journalism | Breaking News, Writing, Editing, Digital Publishing
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I cross-check facts. Even the most authoritative of sources can be wrong and thus it always necessary to find more than one source and there after cite down the closest thing to a primary source.

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Hannington Osodo

TV Operations Manager |Production Risk and Safety Advisor| Creative Director
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Totally agree. Clear quotes and attributing your sources is critical in reporting. I had an experience one time I filed a story from Nigeria about and oil spill that had affected a community in the Niger Delta. The story had all the facts, attributes and images. But when the story reached clients, the intake producer in London had omitted a crucial attribute. The oil company protested critically damaging my posting in Nigeria. Getting facts right and having credible sources is crucial, but understanding the very story you are handling/editing is even more important.

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3 Seek More Sources

If the conflict persists after assessing reliability and cross-checking facts, it's time to seek more sources. Additional voices can provide new insights or corroborate existing information. Reach out to other experts, witnesses, or insiders who might have knowledge of the situation. Sometimes, expanding your network of sources can clarify discrepancies and bring you closer to the truth.

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4 Question Motives

Understanding the motives behind your sources' statements can be enlightening. People may have various reasons for sharing information, such as personal gain, a desire to influence public opinion, or a genuine wish to inform. Consider these motives critically, especially if they could influence the veracity of the information provided. However, be careful not to dismiss information solely based on motive without investigating further.

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5 Present Fairly

When you've gathered and verified all the information you can, it's time to present your findings. Even with conflicting sources, strive to report in a balanced and fair manner. Acknowledge the conflict without taking sides, and explain the steps you took to verify the information. Transparency about your process fosters trust with your audience and demonstrates your commitment to journalistic integrity.

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6 Reflect Ethically

Finally, reflect on the ethical implications of your reporting. Journalism is not just about relaying facts; it's about doing so responsibly. Consider the potential impact of your report on individuals and communities. Ensure that your pursuit of the truth does not inadvertently harm innocent parties or amplify falsehoods. Uphold the highest standards of your profession by being meticulous in your verification process and respectful in your presentation.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What do you do if your sources are in conflict?

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1 Assess Reliability

2 Cross-Check Facts

3 Seek More Sources

4 Question Motives

5 Present Fairly

6 Reflect Ethically

7 Here’s what else to consider

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