No, it is standard journalism practice to verify sources and protect their identity. The comment is just clarifying that the sources are not completely anonymous.
No, it is standard journalism practice to verify sources and protect their identity. The comment is just clarifying that the sources are not completely anonymous.
Similar to "<involved party> declined to comment" seen in many news articles. It signals that the reporter reached out to give them a chance to tell their side of the story, and the resulting article isn't an opinionated unilateral attack piece.