I gave my word that this source would not be identified…
“I gave my word that this source would not be identified unless he changed his mind. He has not.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A promise was made to keep a source anonymous unless they change their mind, but the source never did, highlighting journalistic ethics.
In simple terms: A journalist promised anonymity, but the source kept quiet.
Uphold source confidentiality and respect their decisions.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- investigative reporting
- political scandals
- whistleblowing
- legal disputes
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibilities do journalists have to protect sources?
- When should a source’s silence be challenged?
Sources may feel pressured to reveal themselves, risking safety.