Kevin Harvick is frustrated with the NASCAR media using anonymous sources to report on his contract situation.
“If you’re going to quote a source, quote their name,” Harvick said Friday. "Otherwise, if they’re too chicken to give you their name, don’t put their quote in the paper. It’s that simple.
“Anonymous sources are crap. If you want real sources go talk to real people.”
Unfortunately for Harvick, he fails to understand how journalism works. Many stories can be reported “on the record,” but in order for reporters to obtain information, some sources must be promised confidentiality.
If reporters weren’t able to use anonymous sources, Richard Nixon may have never been connected to Watergate.
Not that NASCAR is on the same category as sensitive government information or national security, but in order to bring news to fans, the principle still applies.
Reporters bristled at Harvick’s comments, with one asking where Harvick earned his journalism degree.
“I don’t have a journalism degree. I have a common-sense degree,” Harvick said with a smile on his face.
In regard to the story that upset Harvick in the first place – that Harvick had “burned bridges” with current team owner Richard Childress, Harvick said that was untrue.
“Richard Childress and myself have a great relationship, and we’ve been talking about a lot of things for several months," he said. “…Richard and I have had many, many, many conversations over the last several months. Where all that leads? Right now, I’m driving the 29 car and we’ll see. I don’t see where anything is going or this and that.”
3 comments
3
Apr 25
1
Apr 25
4
Apr 25
452
Apr 25
Kevin Harvick Lectures Media About Anonymous Sources
3
Apr 23
Comments
LOLZ
That’s just ole Happy being HAPPY!!!
by Sebring88 on Apr 23, 2010 2:40 PM EDT reply actions
Anon sources are real people.
Just real people who don’t want to give their name out and lose their jobs. Not people like Harvick etc… who would just toe a party line response and not give the truth.
Harvick’s an idiot for this statement.
by karen s on Apr 23, 2010 2:44 PM EDT reply actions
Another way to look at it.
You’re writing an article or “breaking a story” and you’re going to use a driver’s name in the article, and discuss that driver’s future and potentially reveal information that could effect his life, but it’s very important to protect an “anonymous source” who may or may not be accurate. I totally agree with Kevin. I you’re going to use HIS name then man up and give the name of the source. REAL journalist do NOT produce a story without multiple corroborating sources. Only in NASCAR could you get away with that. What if a driver got on television and said he had and “anonymous source” that told him your wife was sleeping around while you were at the track. I would bet you would be on the phone to your attorney almost instantly.
by fullfocus on Apr 23, 2010 10:47 PM EDT reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed