Does Saying off the Record Work?

Keep in mind, an off-the-record agreement is not legally binding. Rather, in the news world it's a culturally accepted method of sourcing information. Reporters generally honor off-the-record agreements because they want to continue being trusted by sources to share worthwhile news and background.

What happens if someone says off the record?

Going off the record — or on background — represents an agreement between you as a source and a reporter that what you say will not be quoted in a news story. If the reporter doesn't agree, you're still on the record.

Can you just say off the record?

The generally accepted rule is that off the record and on background must be invoked in advance. So if, for example, George W. Bush says to you, “Let's go off the record here—I really did make up all that stuff about WMD in Iraq,” you can't quote him on that.