Signal
End-to-end encrypted messages and calls. Use my username so I never see your phone number, and turn on disappearing messages.
Username: kstegall33
For sources
Drop a tip here.
If you have information the public should know about, I want to hear from you. Pick whichever way feels safest to you.
What to include
- What happened. Where it happened. When it happened.
- Who or what organization is involved
- How you know. Did you see it yourself, or hear about it?
- Whether you have documents, data, photos or recordings
- Any deadlines, such as an upcoming vote or hearing
- How you'd like me to contact you, if at all
Ways to reach me
Personal email
Fine for most tips and for setting up a safer conversation. Assume email can be seen by others, and ask me to move to Signal for anything that matters.
kstegall33@gmail.comWork email
My newsroom address. Messages pass through CBS 8's systems, so use Signal or my personal email for anything sensitive.
kstegall@cbs8.comDocuments and letters can be sent to:
Katy StegallCBS 8
7677 Engineer Road
San Diego, CA 92111
Protect yourself first
- Use your own devices and network. Avoid work computers, work phones and work Wi-Fi, which your employer can monitor.
- Choose the channel you feel most safe with. If you aren't sure, start with Signal.
- Leave out details you don't need to share yet. We can talk about what I need and how to handle it before you send anything identifying.
- Think about who else has the information. If only a few people could know a detail, sharing it may point back to you.
- Be careful with documents. Files can carry hidden metadata or watermarks. Ask me about the safest way to send them.
What happens next
I read every message. I'll never publish your name or identifying details without your consent, and I'll explain how I protect sources before you decide what to share. I can't promise every tip becomes a story. I verify everything independently before I run it.
Legal note: I'm a reporter, not your lawyer. If you're worried about legal risk for sharing information, consider talking to an attorney first. Organizations like Whistleblower Aid and the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press can help.