Non-attributed

The term 'non-attributed' describes information, data, or statements that are presented without explicitly naming the source or author. This deliberate omission of attribution can serve various purposes, such as protecting a source's identity, maintaining objectivity, or allowing the focus to remain solely on the content itself rather than the creator. In journalism, for instance, non-attributed sources, also known as 'off the record' or 'background' sources, provide journalists with valuable insights while safeguarding their anonymity. The absence of attribution signifies a conscious decision to separate the information from its origin, often prioritizing confidentiality or the content's inherent value.

Non-attributed meaning with examples

• The leaked documents contained highly sensitive data; their origin was kept non-attributed to protect the whistleblower. The media release highlighted key findings, presenting them as factual analysis rather than statements from a specific individual or organization. This approach allowed readers to concentrate on the report's contents without being distracted by potential biases.
• During the investigation, the police relied on non-attributed witness statements to build a timeline of events. Maintaining the anonymity of the witnesses ensured their safety and encouraged them to provide more truthful accounts, fostering trust in the investigation by the general public.
• The company issued a statement addressing market rumors, with specific points attributed to 'internal analysis', the company used non-attributed information as it wanted to protect internal sources of sensitive business information, allowing readers to focus on facts.
• Researchers analyzing survey data found the most reliable trends when using non-attributed responses. This method ensured that each participant was protected, and their identity did not change the responses given. Using the information ensured anonymity and reduced bias from participants.
• The whistleblower provided a journalist with a large amount of evidence; the journalist only printed the evidence after carefully removing any way of tracing the source. The removal of the name of the source, ensured that they stayed safe and remained non-attributed. Using non-attributed sources is crucial to the job of a journalist.