Off the Record

Off the record is one of several attribution conventions journalists use when negotiating how source material may be used. Under a strict off-the-record agreement, the reporter agrees not to publish the information at all, not to quote the source, and not to attribute the substance to them — even anonymously. The conversation is intended to inform the reporter's understanding, sometimes to steer them toward other sources who can confirm the material on the record.

Usage varies, and confusion is common. The Associated Press, New York Times, and Reuters style guides each define the term slightly differently, and many sources use "off the record" colloquially when they actually mean on background (information usable without direct attribution, often cited as "a senior official said") or deep background (usable without any sourcing language at all). Responsible practice requires the reporter and source to agree explicitly on terms before the information is shared, not after.

Key features typically include:

• The agreement must be mutual and established in advance; a source cannot retroactively declare a statement off the record.
• The reporter may still seek the same information from other sources and publish it if obtained independently.
• Off-the-record material can shape editorial judgment, context, and follow-up questions even if it never appears in print.

The convention is widely used in diplomatic reporting, intelligence beats, and political journalism, where officials may want to share sensitive context without authorization to speak publicly. Critics argue overuse erodes accountability by allowing officials to shape narratives without ownership. Defenders note that without such protections, much consequential information — from leaked policy debates to whistleblower disclosures — would never reach the public at all. The Chatham House Rule, used at think-tank events, is a related but distinct convention: participants may use the information received but may not reveal the identity or affiliation of the speaker.