Unnamed Sources Policy

Why Named Sources Are Preferred

Named sources improve accountability and allow readers to evaluate expertise, access to information and possible conflicts.

When an Unnamed Source May Be Considered

Farmington Voice rarely uses unnamed sources.

An unnamed source may be considered only when:

• The editorial team knows the source's identity;
• The source has credible access to the information;
• The information has clear public-interest value;
• There is a meaningful reason for anonymity;
• The information cannot reasonably be obtained on the record;
• Independent corroboration is sought where possible.

When We Avoid Anonymous Sourcing

Anonymous sources should not be used primarily for personal attacks, unsupported allegations, promotional claims, competitor attacks, speculation or reputation harm.

Medical, legal, financial and safety claims require reliable confirmation beyond unsupported anonymous assertions.

Editorial Approval

An editor should know the source's identity, understand why anonymity is justified and assess whether the public-interest value outweighs the reduced transparency.

Source Descriptions

When possible, an article should explain why an unnamed source is in a position to know the information and why anonymity was granted without revealing information that defeats the confidentiality.

Corroboration

Documents, data, official statements or additional sources may be required. Single-source anonymous allegations are avoided for sensitive claims where adequate corroboration is unavailable.

Reader Concerns

Sourcing concerns or possible factual errors may be sent to corrections@farmingtonvoice.com.