Newspapers have traditionally been the gatekeepers of information, serving as a medium to disseminate news and views to a wide audience. One of the key tenets of journalism is to provide accurate and objective information to readers. However, there are times when a newspaper may choose to publish articles anonymously, and Portsmouth Pulse has made the decision to allow anonymous articles.
Allowing anonymous articles can serve several purposes. Firstly, it can protect the identity of sources who provide sensitive or contentious information that could put them at risk of retribution or harm. Whistleblowers, for example, may need to remain anonymous to avoid repercussions from those they are exposing. “Cancel Culture” is a real concern for some writers, and this fear can put a real damper on what people are willing to put their names to.
Secondly, publishing anonymously can also allow for more candid and honest reporting. Our writers may feel freer to express their opinions or report on sensitive issues without fear of personal backlash or retaliation. This can be particularly important when reporting on topics such as politics or controversial social issues.
Thirdly, anonymous articles can help to generate discussion and debate. By removing the focus from the author’s identity, readers can engage more deeply with the content of the article and the ideas it presents, rather than simply reacting to the perceived biases or reputation of the writer.
We concede that there are potential drawbacks to allowing anonymous articles. It can make it more difficult for readers to assess the credibility of the information presented, and it can also make it easier for misinformation or propaganda to be spread without accountability. In addition, anonymity can be used to hide bias or ulterior motives, which can undermine the credibility of the newspaper as a whole.
While we won’t share the names of writers who wish to remain anonymous, what we can say about them is that we will screen all potential writers to verify that they are either Portsmouth residents or have a legitimate tie to Portsmouth or the Seacoast region AND that they are reasonably competent on the topic on which they are writing.
The decision to allow anonymous articles is a balancing act between protecting sources and promoting honest reporting, while also ensuring accountability and maintaining the credibility of the newspaper. For each article, we will weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks carefully before making a decision.
