On Thursday night, Jan 8, the Alaska Center for Excellence in Journalism hosted a panel event titled “Press Freedom in Alaska: What it takes to keep local news independent.” The panel was moderated by KNBA News Producer Rhonda McBride and featured Vicky Ho, the Executive Editor for the Anchorage Daily News; Mark Sabbatini, former Editor of the Juneau Empire and the Founder and Editor of the Juneau Independent; and Joaqlin Estus, retired reporter for Indian Country Today.
Rhonda McBride asked the panelists questions regarding journalistic integrity, editorial integrity, the panelists’ experience with various newsroom cultures, and strategies for minimizing bias in reporting. Attendees were also given an opportunity to ask questions.
The first question hit on one of the most important values reporters and readers alike consider when deciding what to write or what to read: trust. “What is trustworthy journalism?” McBride asked.
According to ADN Executive Editor Vicky Ho, trustworthy journalism needs to tick three key boxes: transparent sources, accurate facts, and fairness. Trustworthy reporting must provide transparent sources, honest and accurate details, and a fair presentation of different perspectives. But what does “fairness” look like? Because different people have different ideas on what is fair or unfair, what Vicky said next hits the nail on the head: “Trustworthy journalism is journalism willing to be challenged.”
Juneau Independent Editor Mark Sabbatini highlighted the reader’s role in determining trustworthy journalism. He stated, “trustworthy journalism is whatever the reader decides is trustworthy.” While many reporters and media outlets seek to share stories, expose the truth behind political masquerades, and hold government officials accountable, it is the readers who hold the media accountable. However, this often leads to tensions as different people express their different beliefs. Although no media outlet can please everyone, a trustworthy media outlet embraces genuine, civil dialogue.
When taking on the responsibility of writing and editing for Must Read Alaska, I reflected and continue to reflect deeply about what it means to be a trustworthy news source. I agree with Vicky Ho that trustworthiness is tied directly to an outlet’s or an individual reporter’s willingness to be challenged through genuine civil discourse.
The power of a free press reflects the power of the tongue. According to Proverbs 18:21, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Words have impact. The media plays a critical role in shaping society, and readers play a critical role in shaping media.
We live in a day and age of general distrust. Americans wrestle with who can be trusted among media sources and even who can be trusted among medical and scientific experts. We have seen lies told blatantly, facts manipulated, laws and constitutional rights neglected, and political and ideological activists using the end to justify the means.
Facts and opinions have gotten all jumbled up. Our society can no longer agree on even basic, biological facts such as “there are two genders” or “a living human being is still a living human being whether inside or outside the womb.” We are witnessing a dire cultural decline with Orwellian fearmongering drowning out logic, AI-created content choking skillful authentic writing, and groupthink sidelining individual integrity.
Although the situation is dire, there is still hope. The modern dilemma involves unprecedented technology, but lack of integrity is hardly new to humanity. It is a deficiency that humanity has struggled against since the serpent deceived Adam and Eve and they hid themselves from God.
I thank my MRAK colleagues and all the readers who have been willing to challenge my writing and editorial decisions. Trust is built not by being right all the time, but by being willing to be challenged and corrected. I have a lot to learn in this field, but these truths I know: “pride goes before destruction” (Proverbs 16:18a) and “with humility comes wisdom” (Proverbs 11:2b).
