One of the major stories for newspaper journalists and press critics in 2005 was the role of anonymous sourcing. Much of the discussion came in the aftermath of Judith Miller’s imprisonment and the controversy that surrounded the way both Miller and her newspaper, The New York Times, acted to preserve the anonymity of her government sources. Earlier, there had been controversy over the paper’s reporting on WMDs in Iraq , much of it, including work by Miller, also based on anonymous sourcing.

And heading into 2006, both the House of Representatives and the Senate were debating federal shield laws that would ensure journalists privilege to keep their sources confidential unless there were threats to the country’s national security. As of early February 2006, the bills were awaiting committee hearings.6 [1]

What are the public’s attitudes toward confidential sources? Overall, survey research suggests public support for using them, though perhaps case by case. Despite broad support in general, the public raises concerns about the accuracy of stories that rely on confidential sources.

Nearly 6 in 10 (59%) agree that reporters should keep their sources secret even when ordered by a court to reveal them, according to survey research conducted almost immediately after the D.C. Circuit of the U.S. Court of Appeals ruled against both Matt Cooper of Time Magazine and Judith Miller.7 [2]

Moreover, just 19% say reporters should always reveal their sources, which suggests most of the public understands the societal benefits of confidential sources.8 [3]

Still, the public expresses some concern about the potential impact of relying on anonymous sources. According to the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press, a majority, 52%, believe it is “too risky” for news organizations to use unnamed sources because it can result in faulty or unreliable information. But 44% thought it was “okay” to do so.9 [4] Other research found that 9 in 10 (89%) think it’s wise to question the accuracy of news stories that include anonymous sources.10 [5]

Finally, a small majority supports the passage of a federal shield law — 55% —while fully 87% of journalists show support.11 [6]