Question

ou should never speak “off the record” in an interview, even if the reporter agrees not to publish statements made “off the record.”


True

False

Answer 1

True.

You can’t control a reporter’s actions or later interpretations, “off the record” isn’t legally binding, definitions vary, and even informal agreements can be broken. If you need confidentiality, decline to answer, insist on formal terms (e.g., “not for attribution” and define them), provide a written statement, or route questions to a spokesperson.