ANONYMITY IN JOURNALISM /
Aletogbe, Taiwo Irene
ANONYMITY IN JOURNALISM / CASE STUDIES IN USA NEWS MEDIA TAIWO IRENE ALETOGBE; SUPERVISOR: ASSOC. PROF. DR. DILAN ÇİFTÇİ - 57 sheets; 31 cm. Includes CD
Thesis (MA) - Cyprus International University. Institute of Graduate Studies and Research Communication and Media Studies Department
Includes bibliography (sheets 54-57)
ABSTRACT
The research will investigate the concept of anonymity of sources in journalism. The scope and understanding of the concept of source anonymity and its practice have been a controversy for journalists and scholars in the media field. For decades, the information provided by anonymous sources has been critical and central to the conclusion of many cases and scandals. The topic itself has generated a lot of arguments as it is not easy to come to terms with its full application. Its use is evident in some cases and others obscure. The research will look at about three cases where the issue of anonymity was crucial, and each will be examined to point out the effects of its usage in that case. The cases include the prominent Catholic Church sex scandal, Janet Cooke’s Pulitzer, Jack Kelley, USA Today Scandal, and the Rolling stone assault fabrication scandal. In discussing these significant cases, this thesis adopts a qualitative and historical research approach.
This thesis observes against the backdrop of the cases of source anonymity in the USA, the erroneous news circulated by some journalists who wrote news stories using anonymous sources. It also juxtaposes the negative instances of the use of source anonymity with cases such as the Catholic Church Sex scandals revealed high profile criminal activities that would have remained buried in obscurity if not for information volunteered by anonymous sources.
The goal of this study is to underpin the relevance, or otherwise of the concept as it concerns journalism. The study concludes with in-depth insight into how the use or otherwise of anonymous sources in news coverage impacts journalism, instead of its responsibility as the fourth estate of the realm and its role as the watchdog of the society.
The thesis also emphasizes that a safe middle ground for the subsequent use of anonymous sources must be adopted. This is due to the finding that source anonymity cannot be completely done away with within the practice of journalism.
Keywords: catholic, church, fabrications, janet cooke pulitzer, rolling stone scandal, scandal, source anonymity, volunteered information
ANONYMITY IN JOURNALISM / CASE STUDIES IN USA NEWS MEDIA TAIWO IRENE ALETOGBE; SUPERVISOR: ASSOC. PROF. DR. DILAN ÇİFTÇİ - 57 sheets; 31 cm. Includes CD
Thesis (MA) - Cyprus International University. Institute of Graduate Studies and Research Communication and Media Studies Department
Includes bibliography (sheets 54-57)
ABSTRACT
The research will investigate the concept of anonymity of sources in journalism. The scope and understanding of the concept of source anonymity and its practice have been a controversy for journalists and scholars in the media field. For decades, the information provided by anonymous sources has been critical and central to the conclusion of many cases and scandals. The topic itself has generated a lot of arguments as it is not easy to come to terms with its full application. Its use is evident in some cases and others obscure. The research will look at about three cases where the issue of anonymity was crucial, and each will be examined to point out the effects of its usage in that case. The cases include the prominent Catholic Church sex scandal, Janet Cooke’s Pulitzer, Jack Kelley, USA Today Scandal, and the Rolling stone assault fabrication scandal. In discussing these significant cases, this thesis adopts a qualitative and historical research approach.
This thesis observes against the backdrop of the cases of source anonymity in the USA, the erroneous news circulated by some journalists who wrote news stories using anonymous sources. It also juxtaposes the negative instances of the use of source anonymity with cases such as the Catholic Church Sex scandals revealed high profile criminal activities that would have remained buried in obscurity if not for information volunteered by anonymous sources.
The goal of this study is to underpin the relevance, or otherwise of the concept as it concerns journalism. The study concludes with in-depth insight into how the use or otherwise of anonymous sources in news coverage impacts journalism, instead of its responsibility as the fourth estate of the realm and its role as the watchdog of the society.
The thesis also emphasizes that a safe middle ground for the subsequent use of anonymous sources must be adopted. This is due to the finding that source anonymity cannot be completely done away with within the practice of journalism.
Keywords: catholic, church, fabrications, janet cooke pulitzer, rolling stone scandal, scandal, source anonymity, volunteered information