Ensuring Source Identity and Security

We at Scripps News take a moment each week to address some of the feedback we receive regarding our journalism.

This week, many of you watched our compelling documentary “Darwin’s War” from our “In Real Life” series, which airs on Sundays at 8 p.m. ET. Scripps News International Correspondent Jason Bellini takes you inside the secret bunker of a Ukrainian strike battalion and introduces you to a 20-year-old attack drone pilot known as “Darwin.”

Some of you raised concerns in your feedback that the details we provided in the report could potentially reveal Darwin’s real name, identity, or specific strategic locations.

One user, @patriark, commented on YouTube:
“This is a great report, but I think the team should take more steps to protect Darwin’s identity and the location. There is a lot of information here that could be used by enemies to identify individuals and locations.”

While we maintain editorial independence, in sensitive situations like this, we prioritize the safety of our sources. Before reporting on this story, Jason Bellini collaborated with a senior Ukrainian public affairs official to ensure that Darwin’s safety and mission were not compromised. Security-focused guidelines were followed to uphold Scripps News’ editorial integrity.

We made a conscious decision not to reveal certain details like the exterior of the bunker and blurred images that could give away filming locations, including specific landmarks and tree lines.

Darwin and the Ukrainian official agreed that sharing certain basic facts, like Darwin’s image and call sign, did not pose a significant security threat. It was vital that Darwin understood the risks and implications of participating in the report. He chose to tell his story to highlight the life-threatening situation faced by young Ukrainians like himself in the ongoing conflict with Russia.

Deeply reporting on high-stakes stories like Darwin’s is crucial for enhancing our understanding of current events. Jason’s previous investigations, such as “Ukraine’s Stolen Orphans,” have been recognized by prestigious organizations and have even provided evidence in war crimes trials.

Share your thoughts and leave us a message on our toll-free Scripps News Viewer Hotline at 1-833-4-SCRIPPS. Your feedback could be featured on our show!