In reporting, what is commonly meant by a 'source'?

• A. A person who provides information
• B. The place where something originates
• C. A location on a map
• D. A device for measuring

Answer: (A)

In reporting, a source is the origin of the information used in a story. The most common idea is a person who provides information—an interviewee, expert, or witness—someone who offers statements, details, or data that the reporter uses and then attributes. This helps readers understand where the facts came from and assess credibility. A source isn’t a location on a map or a device for measuring. While a reporter might rely on documents or institutions as sources, the everyday sense centers on the person who supplies the information. For example, you might quote someone directly or paraphrase what they said, making it clear who provided the information.