Lunes, Setyembre 17, 2018

Why Reporters Hide Their News Source



 By Mortz C. Ortigoza

When a newspaper writer would not divulge the name of his source by saying “the source asked to hide his name” or “the source asked in condition of anonymity” it means he based on “Deep Background”.
A journalistic term that the information can be used but no source any kind would be identified in the newspaper just like at the Washington Post where Bob Woodward wrote on his book’s The Secret Man: The Story of Watergate’s Deep Throat.
Likewise, the Philippine government, just like in the United States where she copy cats many of its law, has a Shield Law called Republic Act No. 1477.
The statute says that “Without prejudice to his liability under the civil and criminal laws, the publisher, editor, columnist or duly accredited reporter of any newspaper, magazine or periodical of general circulation cannot be compelled to reveal the source of any news-report or information appearing in said publication which was related in confidence to such publisher, editor or reporter unless the court or a House or committee of Congress finds that such revelation is demanded by the security of the State (Section 1).Image result for shield law



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I was not spared not to be criticized, just like other columnists, by a few readers why I would not divulge my source but instead contented myself on a “blind item” style of writing.