One of the first things that cub journalists are taught is to source reports. By doing so, they establish the credibility of their reports. The same principle applies to news headlines. News desks are told to write headlines with proper attribution.
However, as experienced editors will tell you, it is not possible to use attribution in all headlines. There are plenty of headlines you see in newspapers that are not attributed to individuals or organisations.
There is a good reason for this. The following rules explain the points that need to be kept in mind when using attribution in news headlines:
1. Attribution in the case of individuals
You can use the name of individuals holding high positions in government, industry, political parties etc. The same is true of top film or sports stars. Newspaper readers recognise them by name.
I am still fit to play: Sachin
Manmohan flags off Jaipur Metro
You don’t have to explain who is Sachin or Manmohan. The readers can identify them easily.
2. Attribution in the case of government departments
The attribution can be based on designation, especially when the official may not be well known by name. Instead of using the name of District Magistrate, the headline writer can use DM or District Magistrate.
DM flags off green bus
District Magistrate flags off green bus
Similarly, the CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) Director may hold a press conference or release a press statement. In this case, you can refer to him as CBI Director.
CBI director names Union Minister in coal scam
If the statement is released by an official designated by CBI to talk to the press, then the attribution can be CBI official.
Several Union ministers involved in coal scam: CBI official
3. Attribution in the case of political parties
Almost half the Indian newspapers are filled with reports about political parties or politicians. Several of these reports are based on press conferences addressed by party spokesmen. In such cases, the party name is used in the headlines.
BJP accuses Congress of corruption
BSP blames SP for Muzzaffarnagar violence
4. When a functionary makes a statement of fact
Attribution is not needed when a statement of fact is made, be it related to the action of police or to a public event. The oil company that increased petrol price or the university official who fixed the dates of examinations need not be named in headlines. The attribution is understood.
Rajasthan University exams from Dec 1
Petrol prices go up by 3 rupees
100 AIADMK workers arrested
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