Marek PALCZEWSKI: The „leaks” and the protection of the source of information

The investigative journalism is characterized by using anonymous sources of information. Journalists often don’t notice that behind confidential information are hidden various individual and group interests. Moreover they are manipulated and may serve these interests themselves. In the name of sensation, beating the competition or lack of fairness they publish the information gathered as leaks without scrutinizing. In this article I will analyse the kinds of leaks, directed at journalists and I will try to answer the question if in case when they know about manipulation or are conscious of any misrepresentation, should they (or their news organization) reveal the source of information? On the one hand journalists in general are obligated to protect the source of information, but on the other hand this rule mustn’t be abused by unfair sources. In conclusion I will notice that leaks threaten journalistic independence, credibility and responsibility. Journalists should be vigilant and sceptic towards the sources, who give them confidential information for the purpose of quick publication. In any case revealing identity of the source may be justified only under exceptional circumstances.