Journalism norms

On the record

on record

Definition

On the record means the journalist may quote you by name and title, and may use the information in the story. It is the default. If you did not set another rule before you spoke, you were on the record.

Set the rule at the start of the call, not after a sentence you regret. “Can we go off the record on that last part?” is a request. The reporter can refuse. What already left your mouth on the record stays on the record unless they agree to a retroactive hold — which they should not have to.

How it works

Open with: “Everything from me today is on the record unless we pause and label a stretch.” If you need to give a number you cannot attach to a name, switch to on background first, wait for the yes, then give the number. Do not dump the number and then negotiate.

Worked example

A CFO says, on the record, that Q3 guidance will not change. Later, on background, she explains a supplier delay. The story can quote the guidance line with her name. The delay can appear without her name if the reporter agreed to background. Mixing the two mid-sentence is how people get named next to the delay.

How it differs

Off the record: not for use. On background: usable, not named (or named as agreed). A press release is on the record the moment it is public. Embargo is about timing, not attribution.

Common errors

Assuming a “quick background chat” after the interview rewinds the interview. Emailing “this whole thread is off the record” at the bottom. Letting a CEO ramble and hoping the producer “gets it.”

Sources