Why Journalists Keep Their Stories Under Wraps (Until They're Out!)

As a journalist, one of the most common questions I get after an interview is, "Can I see the article before it's published?" It's a natural curiosity, and sometimes even a request framed as wanting to ensure accuracy. However, the answer, unfortunately, has to be a firm but polite "no." And it's not about being secretive or difficult; it's about upholding the core principles that make journalism trustworthy and effective.

There are several crucial reasons why sharing articles with sources or interviewees before publication is a practice we generally avoid:

Preserving Journalistic Integrity: Our primary responsibility is to the public, not to the individuals we interview. Allowing sources to review and potentially alter a story before it's published can compromise our independence and the objectivity of the reporting. It opens the door for self-serving changes that could distort the truth or downplay important information. We need the freedom to report the facts as we find them, guided by our journalistic ethics and editorial oversight.

Ensuring Source Confidentiality: Sometimes, stories involve confidential sources who have agreed to speak to us under the condition of anonymity. Sharing a draft with other interviewees could inadvertently reveal the identity of a protected source, putting them at risk and jeopardizing our ability to gather sensitive information in the future.

Protecting the News Organization's Reputation: News organizations have established reputations for accuracy, fairness, and independence. Allowing external parties to preview and potentially influence content before publication could damage that reputation. It could create the perception that our reporting is subject to the approval of our sources, rather than our own rigorous editorial process.

Avoiding Undesirable Outcomes: Sharing drafts can lead to a slippery slope of requests for changes, potential disputes over wording, and even attempts to censor information. This process can become time-consuming, inefficient, and ultimately undermine the journalist's and the editor's authority over the final product.

So, what do you say when a source asks to see the article beforehand? Here are a few polite but firm responses you can use:

• "Thank you for your interest in the story. Our editorial process requires that articles are reviewed and published internally to maintain our journalistic independence and integrity."

• "I understand your interest in seeing it, but unfortunately, our policy is not to share drafts before publication to ensure fairness and prevent any potential influence on the reporting."

• "I've taken careful notes and will strive for accuracy in representing our conversation. The article will go through a thorough editing process before it's published."

• "While I can't share the full article beforehand, please do let me know if you recall any specific quotes or information you'd like me to double-check against my notes."

  
  

As aspiring journalists, encountering this request is inevitable. Remember that upholding these boundaries is not about being uncooperative; it's about safeguarding the principles that are essential to our profession and ensuring the credibility of the information we deliver to the public. Stay firm, be polite, and clearly explain the reasons behind this important journalistic practice.