Journalism norms

Off the record

OTR

Definition

Off the record means the journalist may not use the information in the story at all — not as a quote, not as an unnamed fact, not as a tip they write around — unless you both agreed a different rule. That is the strict reading. Many sources think it means “don’t use my name.” That looser reading is on background. PR Daily’s language survey keeps finding people who swap the two.

Nothing is off the record until the reporter agrees. Saying “off the record” after the sentence does not rewind it. A group call is a terrible place for OTR; one person who did not agree can file.

How it works

Use it rarely. It is for a fact that would harm someone if it printed, and that you still need the reporter to know so they do not print a wrong version. Offer documents on the record instead. If you must go OTR, stop, get a yes, speak, then return to on the record out loud.

Worked example

Counsel tells a reporter, after a yes, that a raid is happening at 6 a.m. and the company cannot comment until 6:15. The reporter does not publish the raid time in the overnight file. At 6:20 the company speaks on the record. That is OTR used as a safety briefing. Telling a reporter off the record that the product is bad, hoping they “just know,” is how you get a story you cannot answer.

How it differs

On background lets the fact into the piece without your name. On the record puts your name on it. An embargo delays publication of material the reporter may use. OTR withholds the material entirely.

Common errors

Email footers that claim all correspondence is off the record. Briefing six people “OTR” for a launch. Using OTR to float a smear.

Sources