Most see a place for anonymous sources in the news, but say they should not be used at will % of U.S. adults who say the use of anonymous sources in news stories is
In recent years there has been renewed interest in the debate over journalists’ use of anonymous sources, and this has included criticism directly from President Donald Trump. Survey data from earlier this year shows that most Americans see a place for journalists to use anonymous sources, but few think journalists should have carte blanche to use them when reporting the news.
A majority of U.S. adults (82%) say that there are times when it is acceptable for journalists to use anonymous sources, with 67% saying it is acceptable only in special cases – a view which echoes the standards of professional journalism organizations that say journalists should take every step to attribute information to a named source when possible before relying on an anonymous source. A much smaller share – 15% – thinks use of anonymous sources is always acceptable. About two-in-ten Americans (18%) think it is never acceptable.
Most see a place for  | anonymous sources in the  | news, but say they should  | not be used at will  | % of U.S. adults who say the use of  | anonymous sources in news stories  | is  | 15%  | Always acceptable  | Only acceptable in  | 67  | special cases  | 18  | Never acceptable  | Note: Respondents who did not give an  | answer are not shown.  | Source: Survey of U.S adults conducted Feb  | 18 March 2 2020,  | PEW RESEARCH CENTER 