If a journalist comes to you with a great story, one of the first questions you ask is how did you get it. How you got it is relevant to judging its accuracy and preparing yourself for any legal challenge.

In this quote, Andrew Neil emphasizes the importance of understanding the source of a story in journalism. When a journalist presents a story, one of the first questions that should be asked is how they obtained the information. The method by which a story is acquired is crucial for determining its accuracy and credibility, as it reveals the reliability of the sources and the process involved in gathering the facts.

The quote also highlights the need to assess the potential for legal challenges when handling a story. Knowing how the information was obtained helps anticipate any issues related to libel, slander, or violations of privacy laws that could arise from publishing the story. By scrutinizing the method behind the information gathering, journalists can better prepare themselves for possible legal repercussions.

Moreover, Neil’s statement underscores the ethical responsibility of journalists to ensure that the information they report is legitimate and well-sourced. The transparency of the reporting process is essential not only for maintaining the story's truthfulness but also for safeguarding the integrity of the journalistic profession.

In essence, this quote calls attention to the idea that the credibility of a story depends not only on its content but also on the process through which it is obtained. By focusing on how a story is sourced, journalists can ensure their work meets both ethical standards and legal requirements.