'Those Persistent Anonymous Sources'

In March 2009 The New York Times Public Editor Clark Hoyt discussed how Times' reporters use, and sometimes abuse, anonymous sources.

"The Times has a tough policy on anonymous sources, but continues to fall down in living up to it. That’s my conclusion after scanning a sampling of articles published in all sections of the paper since the first of the year. This will not surprise the many readers who complain to me that the paper lets too many of its sources hide from public view."

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In August 2005 in the wake of "Deep Throat's" identity being revealed and a USA Today reporter making up sources, NPR's David Folkenflick reported on the paper changing its policy on anonymous sources.

"Morning Edition, August 29, 2005 · Anonymous sources can play an important role in breaking an explosive story, but that anonymity requires trust -- in sources, but also the reporters themselves."

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