In journalism, a source is a person, publication, or other record or document that gives timely information. Outside journalism, sources are sometimes known as "news sources". Examples of sources include official records, publications or broadcasts, officials in government or business, organizations or corporations, witnesses of crime, accidents or other events, and people involved with or affected by a news event or issue.

According to Shoemaker (1996) and McQuail (1994), there are a multitude of factors that tend to condition the acceptance of sources as bona fide by investigative journalists. Reporters are expected to develop and cultivate sources, especially if they regularly cover a specific topic, known as a "beat". Beat reporters must, however, be cautious of becoming too close to their sources. Reporters often, but not always, give greater leeway to sources with little experience. For example, sometimes a person will say they don't want to talk, and then proceed to talk; if that person is not a public figure, reporters are less likely to use that information. Journalists are also encouraged to be skeptical without being cynical ("If your mother says she loves you, check it out."). As a rule of thumb, but especially when reporting on controversy, reporters are expected to use multiple sources.

Leif Utne (1919 – 25 August 2004) was a Norwegian resistance member during World War II and later a physician.

Utne was born in Bergen as the son of a physician. He finished secondary school in 1938, and enrolled in medicine studies at the University of Oslo in the same year.

When World War II reached Norway on 9 April 1940, with the German invasion, Utne volunteered and fought for Norway in the battles of Southern Norway. After Norway capitulated, he was a co-founder of the resistance group "Theta. The group was self-initiated in a circle of friends, but they lacked contacts, knowledge and materials to actually conduct intelligence work. Other members of the group running "Theta" were Bjarne Thorsen, Kristian Ottosen,Helmer Dahl,Hagbarth Schjøtt, Jr. and Jan Dahm. Two members were sent to the United Kingdom: Leif Utne and Bjarne Thorsen. Utne travelled via Sweden, while Thorsen crossed the Norwegian Sea. Thorsen returned with the necessary equipment, and a radio post was finally set up in December 1941, with its headquarters at the famous seaside location Bryggen.