background briefing
Anonymous source session
A background briefing is an informational session where officials speak to journalists with restrictions on how the information can be attributed.
Reporters may use the content but typically cannot name the source directly, instead citing "a senior official" or "sources familiar with the matter." The practice lets officials share sensitive information or float ideas without public accountability.
The White House held a background briefing on the proposed legislation.
- off-the-recordNot for attribution
- off the recordNot meant for reporting
- confidentialMeant to stay secret
- leakEscape through a breach
- sourcePoint of origin
anonymous · embargo · classified · intel · dossier · insider · diplomatic · press · press pool · White House correspondent · journalist · scoop · trial balloon · media spin · tip-off · unattributed · debriefing · intelligence
background briefingon the record
Openly stated, quotable
public announcement · press release · press conference · public testimony · formal announcement
background briefingpublic hearing
Official meeting for citizen input
televised address · town hall meeting · open session · live broadcast · congressional testimony
background briefingpublic disclosure
Revealing information openly
public announcement · open hearing · public forum · town hall
background, briefing, back, ground, brief, backgrounds, briefings, backed, backing