Anonymous sources can become powerful tools of political manipulation

It is important to be clear: Confidential sources are essential to a free press. Journalists cannot do their jobs if everyone who provides them with information must be publicly identified. But there is a difference between protecting a source and turning anonymity into a standard practice. Behind some of these unnamed 'officials' is a well-oiled system for delivering carefully crafted messages. Politicians, advisers, security officials, associates, and other interested parties know they do not need to hold a news conference to influence the public agenda. Sometimes, a single phone call to a reporter is enough. Politicians and public officials also find this system convenient. They can deliver a forceful message without publicly taking responsibility for it. If the message is well received, they can adopt it. If it causes an uproar, they can deny it, distance themselves from it, or claim it was not delivered on behalf of the authorized official. David Ben Basat is the CEO of Radios 100fm, an honorary consul and deputy dean of the Consular Diplomatic Corps, and president of the Israel Amateur Radio Club. He previously served as a monitor for Israel's Army Radio and as a correspondent for NBC News.