New York Times explains when it credits other outlets' reporting

At a glance

The New York Times explained when it mentions other news organizations' reporting in its articles. It used a case about former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro's life in prison as an example.

Key points

1. 1

   Reporters found that Maduro spent most of his time in prison reading, including the Bible and the Quran.

2. 2

   A New Yorker article on the same subject, published earlier, also mentioned his Bible reading.

3. 3

   The Times credited The New Yorker even though it was not a source.

4. 4

   The aim was to show generosity and avoid suggesting it was first to find the detail.

Why it matters

Readers need to know whose reporting a story is based on to trust it. This touches on journalistic ethics and credibility.