What is an anonymous source in journalism?

An anonymous source in journalism refers to a source that is not named, meaning their identity is kept confidential. This practice is often utilized to protect the source's safety, privacy, or to allow them to share sensitive information without repercussions. Journalists may rely on anonymous sources when the information provided is critical to the story and cannot be obtained through other means, ensuring that important news reaches the public while safeguarding the individuals who provide it.

In contrast, the other options highlight different concepts. A person with a hidden agenda does not accurately define what an anonymous source is, as an anonymous source can have a variety of motivations. A source that requires attribution typically refers to sources that need to be identified and credited, which is the opposite of anonymity. Lastly, a credited expert denotes a source whose qualifications and identity are openly acknowledged, contrasting with the undisclosed nature of an anonymous source.