When should a reporter attribute a claim?

• A. Only attribute quotes
• B. Attribute all assertions to a credible source when not common knowledge or contested
• C. Do not attribute unless asked
• D. Attribute only to primary sources

Answer: (B)

Attribution in reporting hinges on making clear where information comes from, especially when a claim could be disputed or isn’t widely known. The best practice is to attribute all assertions to a credible source whenever the information isn’t common knowledge or is contested. This keeps reporting accurate and gives readers a way to assess reliability.

Direct quotes should always be tied to who said them, and even paraphrased or summarized information should be linked to a credible source if it isn’t something readers would consider obvious or universally known. If you only attribute quotes, you leave other factual statements floating without visible support, which can undermine trust. Waiting to attribute something only when asked ignores the responsibility to provide verification up front.

Attribute sources to credible authorities, documents, or expert analysis—not just to primary sources—when those sources support the claim. This broader approach helps ensure the information stands up to scrutiny and provides readers a path to verify the claim themselves.