Explainer: What Does ‘Off the Record’ Mean?
Note from Hennes Communications: Certainly, the information below is accurate. However, we often warn our clients that going ‘off the record’ is fraught with danger. It is particularly not advised if you don’t have a prior relationship with the reporter or if you don’t have previous experience using this technique. What you see on TV and in the movies when a source says to a reporter, “I’ll give you this ‘off the record'” or a reporter says to a source, “‘Off the record’ (or “Just between you and me”) is Hollywood hogwash. While 99% of reporters are likely to honor an ‘off the record’ agreement, there are examples of where the agreement has been violated. Before going ‘off the record,’ it is vital that you first read the AP definition of ‘off the record’ below and ask if the reporter agrees to accept that definition and agreement. Even with that agreement, ask yourself what the consequences would be if something you say ‘off the record’ is revealed to have come from you. And for those of you with law degrees, remember that there are specific rules regarding what you can and cannot say to a reporter without the express authorization of your client.
What does it mean to agree to ‘off the record’?
By Nicole Schuman for PRNews
“Off the record” is a phrase that can be used by a journalist or communicator during an interview or conversation. Some communicators or sources may wish to remain anonymous, but provide useful information to a member of the media. Some media may want to get to know a source or communicator better—without the source worrying about becoming the focal point of a story. Those conversations can also be off the record.
If no one deems a conversation off the record, or sets rules in advance, most journalists will accept information gathered as “on the record.”
The Associated Press published a discussion of on/off the record rules, because not everyone has the same definition of off the record. It’s important to always clarify a definition before an interview or conversation, if needed. These are the AP’s definitions:
- “On the record: The information can be used with no caveats, quoting the source by name.”
- “Off the record. The information cannot be used for publication.”
Some conversations may also include “on background.” This is defined as: “The information can be published but only under conditions negotiated with the source. Generally, the sources do not want their names published but will agree to a description of their position.” For more, click here.