Everyone knows that we must write ethically. For example, we must not invade a person's privacy, violate cultural standards, or compromise public safety. And above all, we must write the truth.

But did you know there are ethical decisions to be made before you write your first word? Those decisions have to do with how you treat your sources, and here is what they are:

Honor off the record, on background, on deep background, or anonymity requests

Off the record means the source asks you not to use certain information. The source is giving you the information to help you understand the context but doesn't want the information to be publicly identified as coming from her. If a source from the Florida Democratic Party tells you, “The Party is considering suing the state,” you must keep that information in your back pocket, at least until more information, and on-the-record information, comes out.

On background means the reporter can only name the organization the source is speaking on behalf of, not the name of the source herself. So your story would say something like this: “A spokesperson for the Florida Democratic Party said the Party is considering suing the state.” You’ll almost certainly know your source’s name, but don’t use it if she requests an interview on background.

An anonymous source is one who agrees to be known as a source but is not identified. We would write, “A source told us the Florida Democratic Party is considering suing the state.”

On deep background means you can’t name either the source or her organization. So your story, if you used the information at all, would say “the Florida Democratic Party is considering suing the state.” Don’t even mention where you heard the information.

Many journalists, including me, believe that using information from an anonymous source or on deep background is unethical. Why? Because the reading/listening/viewing public has no way to check the facts. Who are these “sources”? For all the public knows, the writer may have made up the information. Some journalists have the same reservations about the information given on background.

Always be open about who you are

We must never mislead our sources about who we are and what we’re doing, either before, during, or after an interview. One situation when writers sometimes violate this is after a meeting. Good writers wisely stick around, knowing that sources often drop some of the choicest information after the formal process has ended. However, be sure everyone knows that you’re a writer and that you’re still working. Don’t put away your notebook and pretend you’re just chatting.

Ask before recording sources

This is more than an ethical question. It’s also a legal one because in many jurisdictions it’s illegal to record a conversation without the permission of all parties concerned. Not only should you ask permission before recording, but you should also get your source's permission on the recording. So before you start your recording ask the source if you can record, start the recorder, and ask again. Never secretly record an interview. (Even if you do record an interview, be sure you still take notes, of course.)

Violating a source's request when she says the information is given off the record, on background, on deep background, or anonymously is a sure way to ensure she will never give you information again. She'll probably never again talk to the organization you represent either. The same goes for failing to be honest about who you are and what you’re doing. And if you record a source without permission you might find yourself in legal jeopardy.