firsthand

An eyewitness account is firsthand information. You can only get this kind of insight from someone who actually saw or experienced something themselves.

When we talk about getting news or facts "firsthand," we mean that they come directly from a person involved, without being filtered through others' reports. Imagine hearing an interview with someone who witnessed a major event - what they say is considered firsthand information because it's based on their own experience, not what they heard second-hand from others. This can be especially important in journalism and reporting, where getting the facts straight is crucial.