I am not your ally. I know better.

I am a journalist.

I have been a reporter for 20-plus years and during that time I have learned a few things.

The most important is how to remain independent in my reporting.

Uri Berliner, senior news editor at NPR, penned an article for The Free Press that has sent shockwaves throughout the journalism community. Essentially, he said that bias crept into coverage at NPR and that the storied institution had lost its “viewpoint diversity.”

In this episode of Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina, I talk about how sources unfairly pressure journalists to do their bidding in the press. Conservative activists do this. Liberal activists do this. All activists do this. Watch the full podcast below.

The greatest power that journalists have in our democracy is the ability to tell the truth. Once there is a public perception that the news is slanted or favors a particular audience, trust is lost.

Here’s what Berliner writes about NPR:

“In essence, this means the NPR union, of which I am a dues-paying member, has ensured that advocacy groups are given a seat at the table in determining the terms and vocabulary of our news coverage. 

“Conflicts between workers and bosses, between labor and management, are common in workplaces. NPR has had its share. But what’s notable is the extent to which people at every level of NPR have comfortably coalesced around the progressive worldview. 

“And this, I believe, is the most damaging development at NPR: the absence of viewpoint diversity.”

It would be easy for me to allow sources to co-opt my news reporting. Just last week I wrote about a big housing project at the Glen Annie Golf Course. I wrote about another housing and retail boutique project at the Rosewood Miramar Resort in Montecito. I also wrote about cruise ships and Santa Barbara’s efforts to crack down on them.

In all three instances, I received letters criticizing my reporting. When both sides are unhappy, it can mean you reported fairly. I am not here to appease the activists, or the people in power. I am here to explain complex information, talk to sources, research, and then explain it in a way that makes sense to readers.

All readers.

The past couple of years I have written about the Santa Barbara County Housing Element Update. I have had planners and elected officials say I am “anti-housing.” I have had readers say I am “pro-housing.”

What I think doesn’t matter, but what does matter is that the story is presented in a balanced way. We aren’t here to perpetuate individual agendas. We’re here to report news, and explain it in a way that makes sense, with maximum impact.

It feels good when people praise my work. But it feels even better when my work shines light on a topic that leads to a change in perception or outcome. The goal is impact, not to pick winners and losers in my reporting.

I have been around long enough to know that it’s a dangerous game to write for your sources. Friend today, foe tomorrow, I know that game well.

I have always found I have more influence as a journalist if everyone feels comfortable talking to me. I don’t need or even want them to like me. But they need to feel as though they will get a fair airing in my stories. Once a story or news agency lacks viewpoint diversity, it’s hard slog uphill to gain it back.

Former Santa Barbara City Councilman Dr. Dan Secord used to say from the dais that his job is to “see the world as it is, not how he would like it to be.”

That carries over to journalism. If I reflect the world as it is, and shine a light on corrupt systems, whether its government or the private sector, the readers can then use that information to make informed choices to help change the world.

Berliner, who has a local history and use to write for the Santa Barbara News-Press, is taking lots of flack for opening up about the inner workings of NPR. The truth is, he is just being honest, even if it means he’s not making any friends.

I don’t need to be accepted or liked by my sources. I would rather be respected by them. All of them.

Joshua Molina is journalist who currently writes for Noozhawk and teaches journalism at Santa Barbara City College. He formerly covered politics and land use for the San Jose Mercury News. Santa Barbara Talks is an independently owned podcast where Molina looks to bring together voices from all perspectives to discuss and provide solutions to the challenges related to housing, education, transportation and other community issues. Subscribe to his podcast here and consider a contribution here.