deep background
Anonymous source agreement
Deep background is a journalistic term for information provided on condition that it cannot be attributed to any source—not even an anonymous one.
Unlike "on background," where a reporter might cite "a senior official," deep background means the information can only appear as the journalist's own assertion or analysis.
The aide spoke on deep background about the investigation.
The practice lets sources share sensitive information while maintaining complete deniability.
- subtextImplicit meaning beneath words
- privacyFreedom from observation
- need to knowRestricted information access basis
- whistleblowingExposing hidden wrongdoing internally
- attributionAssigning origin or cause
primary source · nondisclosure agreement · sidelight · anonymity · top secret · investigative reporting · off-the-record · unnamed source · nuance · Watergate · historical context · transparency · embargo · secure communication · classified information · fact-checking · redaction · public trust
- journalismreporters, interview, editors, student editors, school paper
- journalism termsheadline, headlines, byline, bylines, lead
- PR jargonspin, optics, messaging, talking points, soundbite
- PR tacticspress release, press conference, media kit, spokesperson, talking points
- insider infointel, insider tip, inside track, scoop, leak
- confidentialconfidential, secret, private, classified, undisclosed
deep backgroundon the record
Openly stated, quotable
public testimony · background · off the record · quotable · press release
deep backgroundfull disclosure
Withholding no information
open sourcing · transparent · public record · overt · above board
deep, background, deepen, deepened, deepening, deeper, deepest, deeply, deepness