Master news attribution and referencing by following our guide for ensuring your reporting is accurate, credible. and avoids plagiarism.
It’s based on the MHM article Attribution and plagiarism which we suggest you read in conjunction with this how-to guide.
The attribution checklist
In journalism, honesty is everything. If you use someone else’s work, ideas, or words without saying where they came from, it is called plagiarism. This is a serious offence that can end your career. This guide helps you credit others correctly and keep your integrity.
[ ] Identify the source of every fact
Always tell your audience where you got your information. If you did not see it or hear it yourself, you must name the person, document, or organisation that provided the details.
[ ] Use direct quotes sparingly and accurately
If you use the exact words of a source, you must make it clear that they are not your own words. Ensure the wording is 100 per cent accurate and attributed to the specific speaker. See our article on The power of quotes in journalism.
[ ] Attribute information from other media
If you are following a story that another news outlet broke first, you must credit them. Use phrases such as “as reported by the xxxx” or “according to a report in xxxx”.
[ ] Hyperlink to original documents
When writing for the web, provide a direct link to the report, study, or article you are referencing. This allows the reader to check the facts for themselves and builds trust.
[ ] Distinguish between background and breaking news
Common knowledge, such as the date of a public holiday, does not always need a source. However, any specific claim, opinion, or new discovery must have a clear trail back to the source.
[ ] Check the rules on embargoes
If a source gives you information but asks you to wait until a certain time to publish it, respect that request. Breaking an embargo can damage your reputation and your relationship with sources.
[ ] Be transparent about your research
If you have used a news/press release or a news agency report as the basis of your story, it is good practice to mention this. It shows your audience that you are being open about how you gathered the news.
[ ] Never copy and paste
Even if you are in a rush, never copy text from the internet and present it as your own. Always rewrite information in your own words while still crediting the original source for the facts.
This may seem like a lot of rules to remember, but they will soon become second nature. Accuracy and transparency are the hallmarks of a great journalist. Keep practicing these habits, and you will build a reputation for being a reliable and trustworthy reporter.
