What does on background mean?
On background means a journalist may use and publish your information, but without naming you as the source. The information is then attributed to, for example, "a person involved" or "sources close to the company". It sits between a regular interview (on the record) and off the record.
Written by Timon Hendriks · Last updated on 12 July 2026
How it works in practice
As with off the record: make the agreement in advance and explicitly, and wait for confirmation. Also agree how the journalist may describe you, because "an employee" is something different from "someone involved in the decision". The more specific the attribution, the more traceable you are; weigh that consciously.
On background is useful when information may come out, but not from your mouth. Think of context around a deal that is not yet closed, or perspective on a market where you do not want to provoke competitors. Be aware that anonymous sources make a story weaker; if you can simply be quoted, that is almost always better.
Example
A Rotterdam-born logistics firm now based in Savannah learns a journalist is investigating port delays. The operations director wants to correct the picture without upsetting clients. On background, he explains how the delays actually arise. The article attributes the explanation to "a person working in port logistics", and the story gets the facts right.
Common mistake
Mixing up the terms and assuming on background equals off the record. On background gets published, just without your name. Confusing the two means finding your words in print unexpectedly.
Frequently asked questions
How are you described when speaking on background?
You agree that together: for example "a person involved", "a source inside the company", or "someone present at the meeting". The more specific the description, the easier people can guess who you are.
When do you choose on background over a regular quote?
When the information may come out but cannot be tied to your name or role, for example in sensitive files. If you can simply be quoted, do that: a named quote is stronger and more credible.