Please stop doing the "DM for signal" thing when you're asking potential sources to take major career risks for you. Just publish a Signal number people can use directly. Let's not even mention the email part here.
How senior a reporter do you need to be at BuzzFeed before you stop having sensitive conversations on DM? Asking for a friend who takes a professional interest in these matters!
If you want timestamped, subpoenable, indelible proof that you contacted a reporter, then sure, DM for signal. Otherwise reach out to a reporter who takes your safety more seriously.
