anonymous sources are double-edged—they often provide especially newsworthy information, such as classified or confidential information about current events, information about a previously unreported scandal, or the perspective of a particular group that may fear retribution for expressing certain opinions in the press. the downside is that the condition of anonymity may make it difficult or impossible for the reporter to verify the source's statements. sometimes news sources hide their identities from the public because their statements would otherwise quickly be discredited. thus, statements attributed to anonymous sources may carry more weight with the public than they might if they were attributed.