In proper journalism, anonymous sources are supposed to point the journalist towards verifiable sources. Perhaps they hand over documents or images, or tell the

In proper journalism, anonymous sources are supposed to point the journalist towards verifiable sources. Perhaps they hand over documents or images, or tell the journalist of where to look for evidence, or just alert the journalist to the existence of a story in need of investigating. Any journalist who doesn't follow through and simply regurgitates anonymous claims not only derelicts their duty but also potentially endangers their source.