Which term describes information a reporter can use but cannot quote or name the source directly?

• A. On Background
• B. Off-the-record
• C. Attribution
• D. Anecdote

Answer: (A)

The term that describes information a reporter can use but cannot quote or name the source directly is "On Background." This allows reporters to gather crucial context or insight from sources while maintaining the confidentiality of those sources. When a source provides information on background, they typically give permission for the information to be used without being directly attributed to them, enabling a reporter to incorporate valuable knowledge into their reporting without compromising the anonymity of the source.

In contrast, "Off-the-record" refers to a situation where the information cannot be used at all in a report, making it different from on background, where the information can still be used but requires careful framing. Attribution pertains to showing who provided the information, contrasting with the anonymity provided by the background terms. Anecdotes are personal stories or experiences that may not necessarily relate to the confidentiality of information, thus not fitting the definition outlined in the question.