How is a quote defined in journalism?

• A. The summary of a person’s ideas
• B. The paraphrased version of what someone said
• C. The exact words spoken by a source or interviewee
• D. The conclusions drawn by the journalist

Answer: (C)

In journalism, a quote is defined as the exact words spoken by a source or interviewee. This definition is crucial because it emphasizes the importance of accurately capturing and conveying a person's original thoughts, statements, or feelings without alteration. Quoting directly from an interviewee adds credibility to a news story and allows the audience to hear the voice of the source firsthand. This practice not only honors the integrity of the source's expression but also ensures transparency in reporting by showing precisely what was said. Accurate quoting is essential for maintaining journalistic standards and ethics, as it reflects the true context and intent of the speaker's message.