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).
***
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.
