Judicious use of unnamed sources sometimes warranted

Many say a story is only as good as its source.

But occasionally, reporters and editors must consider publishing articles with unnamed sources who, for any number of reasons, wish to remain anonymous.

Reasons for not wanting to be named vary greatly, but in most cases individuals fear retribution from someone or something. Such is the case with today’s article on Potter’s Field Ministries in which two anonymous sources divulged details regarding the ministry’s children’s program.

While these individuals’ names do not accompany their quotes, it is our belief the information they provided contributed greatly to the overall story.

And in an industry propped up by the truth, we realize asking readers to consider information from anonymous sources invites doubt and can even lead one to wonder if these sources exist at all. Therefore, we don’t take the use of anonymous sources lightly.

We walk a fine line of providing our audience with the critical information they provide, while also respecting the privacy wishes of those who muster the courage to share their knowledge with us.

That being said, those who wish to remain anonymous are thoroughly vetted.

We not only work to verify the information they provide us, but also work tirelessly to verify whether they themselves are credible and reputable as well, as we do with every source.

Around this time last year, the Daily Inter Lake released a special report on Montana’s Child and Family Services in which a number of sources — most of them anonymous — alleged systemic mismanagement is contributing to issues with the state’s Child Protective Services Division.

A Daily Inter Lake reporter talked to many current and former CPS employees who said their jobs and future jobs would be jeopardized should they provide their names. However, the information they did provide was validated by other sources who were willing to go on record.

The article was later used as supporting documentation during Montana’s 2019 Legislative Session as various organizations asked lawmakers to consider rewriting the rules for child removal. This use of our reporting validated not only the importance of our work, but the importance of what the unnamed individuals shared.

The Daily Inter Lake will continue to vet vital sources such as these, who can pave the way for stories that influence change in our communities.