Via Romenesko, Gawker obtained a NY Times memo indicating the Gray Lady is cracking down on anonymous sources.
Editors rightfully want to restore credibility by shedding light for readers on why a source isn't sharing info by name.
Here's a Top 10 List of Conditions of Anonymity I'd like to see in Mideast coverage.
10. The Gaza resident spoke on condition of anonymity because public criticism of Hamas will get him killed.
9. The Israeli negotiator spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to speak on such matters, and this journalist really needs to attribute these views to someone.
8. The Fatah cadre spoke on condition of anonymity because he didn't want to draw attention to his superfluous position and bloated salary.
7. The Hamas official spoke anonymously for fear of sending a message conflicting with higher echelon figures who haven't decided the party line.
6. A foreign aid worker afraid of being branded a Mossad spy spoke on condition of anonymity.
5. The White House figure spoke anonymously because it's the accepted practice of raising trial balloons.
4. The UN official said spoke anonymously because her comments aren't politically correct within her agency.
3. The ministry official spoke on condition of anonymity because he's not privvy to anything important but likes impressing reporters.
2. The Palestinian medical worker spoke on condition of anonymity because he's not authorized to disclose accurate casualty figures.
1. The Israeli politician spoke on condition of anonymity because the time isn't ripe to backstab coalition partners.
