On or off the record is, without question, the most disputed point between writers and interviewees. Nearly all reporters understand the rule. Virtually none of the interviewees have a clue.

In a nutshell this is the rule: the interviewee must say, “this is off the record” and get an acknowledgement from the writer. Once an acknowledgment is made, the interviewee can speak freely. “I have it on good authority that Trump was watching TV as the Capitol was being invaded.”

However, if the interviewee blurts out, “I have it on good authority that Trump was watching TV as the Capitol was being invaded but that’s off the record” I have news for you.  No it was not off the record.

The interviewee asked for permission to divulge sensitive information after it was said. Interviewees need to ask permission and get an acknowledgement before the information is communicated.

Expectations when you’re still on the record

In the second example there was no agreement with the writer before the information about Trump was divulged so it’s fair game for followup and further reporting.

Don’t assume that a writer will listen to “off the record” news. For many writers it’s either all on the record or all off the record.. For some can’t be both.

Understand the on/off rule when working with writers. Be clear when you’re going off the record. Get acknowledgement  from the writer that you’re going off the record and be extraordinarily clear when you’re going back on the record. If you ask to go off the record just to share some gossip, save it. We’ve heard it before.

I write feature stories so on/off the record rarely matters to me. If you’re unsure of how the rule works either ask the writer or stay quiet. Most writers who spend their time writing feature stories and have the luxury of time are happy to explain the rule to you. If you’re talking to a writer who has to file daily know the rule.