Anonymous Sources in News Reporting as Potential Facilitator of Disinformation and Economic Destabilisation in Nigeria

Abstract

Anonymous sources have often been used in journalism to shield sources from the consequences of divulging classified or highly official information to the public. The researcher investigated how the unethical use of anonymous sources by journalists in traditional and online media could promote disinformation and also contribute to economic destabilisation in Nigeria. The researcher examined extant literature on the concept of anonymous sources, disinformation, Nigeria’s economic outlook and then established the nexus between them. It was found that the indiscriminate use of anonymous sources predisposed journalists who work in the service of truth, to becoming a target of lies, rumours and hoaxes designed to intimidate and discredit them and their journalism; exposed journalism to the risk of being drowned out by the cacophony of disinformation; might cause misjudgments, unrest, and wrong  choices by citizens; negative consequences on Nigeria’s image and the ability to attract foreign investments into the country; dire consequences on a nation’s production and consumption levels; fall in stock price and panic withdrawal of depositors’ funds. The author recommended among other, that should anonymous source be used, the description of the source must be agreed between the reporter and the editor.