How not to defend your source

Abstract

Former Guardian editor Preston looks at whistleblowers and the debate over protection of sources and writes: "I have a D.Phil in source protection theory and the continuing notoriety that goes with it. Sarah Tisdall, a young Foreign Office clerk, was sent to prison for leaking details of 1983 cruise missile deployment plans on my Guardian editorial watch, and journalism legend blames me for that (which is not surprising, since I still blame myself)." Preston concludes: "Sending journalists to prison [for refusing to reveal sources], just like beating up on the BBC, brings politicians few boosts on the Gallup polls. Joe and Jane Public may not love our edgy trade, but they love politicians even less. But principle, schminciple, this is pure, desolate pragmatism. To do our job, we need to make simple choices about information and how it comes in - and we need to honour our bargains."