Report No. 93

4.12. Disclosure of reporter's name.-

The discussion so far deals mainly with disclosure of the name of the informant. However, less indulgence is likely to be shown where an editor declines to name the reporter who wrote a story (as distinct from disclosing the reporter's source)1 Alan Hitchins, editor of the South London, when called as a witness at the Old Bailey in 1956, was asked to identify the reporter who wrote a story. He refused "in view of newspaper practice". Judge Mande replied: "Of giving away your informants: I know that. Isn't this rather different?"

Ultimately, Mr. Hitchins named the reporter.2

1. Anthony Richards Law for Journalists (1977), p. 83.

2. Manchester Guardian, 22nd September, 1956.