What does the term 'off-the-record' mean?

• A. Information can be shared with attribution
• B. Information cannot be used in any form
• C. Information can be quoted directly
• D. Information must be published immediately

Answer: (B)

The term 'off-the-record' refers to information shared in a manner that it cannot be used or published in any form by the journalist or the media outlet. This designation is often used in journalism to establish a clear boundary between what can be attributed to a source and what remains confidential, allowing sources to provide candid insights without the risk of their statements being publicly disclosed. In this context, it protects the source's identity and allows for a level of trust in the communication.

The other options do not align with the definition of 'off-the-record.' For instance, if information could be shared with attribution, it would contradict the essence of being off-the-record, as it implies that the information can still be used publicly, albeit with the source acknowledged. Similarly, the ability to quote directly goes against the principle of keeping the information confidential. Lastly, the expectation that information must be published immediately also does not align with the intent behind off-the-record discussions, which are typically aimed at ensuring sensitive information is protected rather than disseminated.