‘On the record and Off the record’

Aarya Raina

‘On the record’ and ‘Off the record’ are terms used to clarify the nature of information shared between sources and journalists. While it is self apparent where the source can or cannot be revealed, the ethical and moral code of journalism is always under stress. Bob Woodward used Marle Felt as ‘Deep Throat’ in Watergate Scandal to bring down the Nixon government. This case stands as watershed movement in journalistic history as off the record sources and integrity of reporter is concerned.