Unnamed Sources Policy

When SHO#Dnipro may use unnamed sources, how we verify their information and how we protect people who speak to the newsroom.

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The SHO#Dnipro Unnamed Sources Policy explains when the newsroom may withhold the name of a source and how we verify such information. Anonymity is an exception, not a routine practice: we use it only when the information is important to the public and identifying the person could harm them.

1. When anonymity may be granted

We may grant anonymity when several conditions are met: the information is in the public interest, the source has direct knowledge of the event or document, and naming the person publicly could create a risk to their work, safety, privacy or relatives.

2. When we do not use anonymity

  • To allow a source to attack another person or organisation without accountability.
  • To hide advertising, political interest or a personal conflict.
  • When the information can be safely obtained from open sources or an official comment.
  • When the newsroom cannot verify the source’s connection to the topic.

3. How we verify information

Information from an unnamed source is not published automatically. We seek confirmation through documents, open data, official announcements, comments from other parties or independent sources. If confirmation is insufficient, we do not present the information as established fact.

4. Who knows the source’s identity

The identity of an unnamed source must be known to a responsible editor or another authorised member of the newsroom. This is necessary to assess the source’s reliability, motives and possible conflict of interest.

5. How we explain anonymity to readers

In a story, we explain why the source is not named without revealing details that could identify them. For example: “a source in a local service who is not authorised to comment publicly” or “a person familiar with the documents”.

6. Protecting the source

We do not reveal the source’s identity to third parties without their consent, except where the law directly requires it and the newsroom has no legal grounds to object. Access to source data inside the newsroom is limited.

7. Editorial responsibility

Even when a source remains unnamed, the newsroom is responsible for the accuracy of the story. If a mistake is found, we act according to our Corrections Policy.