See what documentation they can provide. They may not want to give you a copy of the documents at first, but they can give you screen grabs or something to verify them. Usually, it’s a slow burn. The more they trust you, the more they provide.”
A whistleblower is a coveted source. They may be high-ranking in their organization and deeply knowledgeable of the inner workings. They are risk-takers — someone who is willing to put their fate in the hands of journalists to tell their stories and right wrongs.
The Signals Network — a nonprofit organization founded to support whistleblowers as they seek accountability — reports that it has experienced a 289% increase in the number of whistleblowers who have contacted the organization in the first half of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024. From investigative journalists at major news corporations to local reporters, all newsrooms need to be ready to act when a whistleblower calls. Consider these best practices:
“Let the person know that you have worked extensively with other whistleblowers and never revealed their names. I always tell people that I could never do my job if my word wasn’t my word. All we have in this business is our reputation. If they want to know other delicate stories you have done, provide links. Recognize that it usually takes a lot of time for people to trust a reporter completely.” — Barbara Laker, reporter, investigations team, The Philadelphia Inquirer
“Set up secure, encrypted communications. …...
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