Why do USA people tend to believe "anonymous sources" simply because media quotes them?

It is understandable why certain sources must remain anonymous in some circumstances. Therefore the burden of trust falls on the journalist doing the reporting, it's up to them to decide if what they are reporting is trustworthy, and up to us to decide if their judgement is sound. I will trust journalists with an established reputation of quality and objectivity, but always still take it with a grain of salt because even the best reporters are fallible human beings capable of mistakes and biases.

I always read news from a variety of sources so that it becomes more clear what is fact and what is subjective interpretation or speculation by journalists.

The system isn't perfect but nothing in life is, we have to do the best with what we've got. It's better than burying you head in the ground or turning to agenda-driven fringe media.

Here is how it works.

A journalist meets and "develops" a source. The source shares information only if the journalist promises not to reveal the identity of the source. A journalist should verify with a second source if he/she can. But I am also sure that some sources have proven so reliable over the years that some journalists stop verifying or let you know that it has not been verified.

The journalist publishes a story. If the story proves to be false, then the journalist has egg on his/her face and drops that source. If the journalist has too many of those, he/she is out of a job.

Some sources are fearful of being fired if they speak without authorization. Others are sent intentionally by whomever wants the information out.

luv2run wrote:

Here is how it works.

Some sources are fearful of being fired if they speak without authorization. Others are sent intentionally by whomever wants the information out.

In Russia, we have higher propaganda theatre, with on top of so-called leaks, also fake leaks to desperate and fawning media.

Did not trump say people say..,. Obama was not born in the US for about 8 years?

And say people say Cruz dad may have links to JFK assasination.

I guess he has had a change of heart on sources.

Modern Journalism:

Reporter overhears someone talking on the subway. Reporter texts editor. Editor approves story.

When story turns out to be false; editor apologizes and promises a "review of our standards".

The following week, reporter overhears, etc. etc. etc.

Too much time and money do do fact checking these days. An apology is way cheaper.

Licking lick wrote:

Did not trump say people say..,. Obama was not born in the US for about 8 years?

Obama said the same thing for about 15 years.

Why doesn't LRC use more anonymous sources?

Because sometimes the official information can not be relied upon to be truthful. If you only want to here the "facts" that Trump wants you to believe then you would not listen to anonymous sources. You would believe only Spicer, Trump and Trump's other people.

Trump's and his inner circle's record for lying indicates that information received from them is not credible. Its intent is to deceive.

These sources may have an ax to grind but also just might be patriotic Americans who feel its their duty to get the truth out.

Consider the source wrote:

You have too much trust in media.

Because known sources are definitely liars.