White House officials ask reporters to be “on background”-meaning we don’t name them but describe them as a “Senior Administration Official” or something-all the time. They also ask to be “off the record” many times a day. I could name names but I don’t because I gave my word.
The president, too, I am told, calls reporters fairly regularly to talk off the record. (He hasn’t called me, but I’d be happy to take the call!)
Why do we give a promise to protect the identities of these people? Because it is often the only way to get accurate information from people who fear for their jobs or reputations if it is known they spoke to us. We protect them in order to protect that flow of information.
Does “off the record” status get abused? Yes. White House officials sometimes use it to avoid putting their names to something embarrassing that they really should own up to. Human beings also lie, on the record and off. Everything you are told must be scrutinized.
Just about everyone who is a source for a reporter has an agenda - personal or political. They can be as lofty as wanting to protect the country or as base as wanting to stick it to a bureaucratic rival. It’s all ok, as long as the info checks out.
For reporters, the real warning sign is if you DON’T know why someone is giving you information. That’s a red flag that you may be getting used, and a reason to slow way down until you understand it. All of this is a constant series of judgement calls and calibrations.
