AFTER DEADLINE
Reporter proud of not having an opinion on issues
By Gordon Pang
Advertiser Staff Writer
"You know what we call you? We call you Mr. Gray — because you don't take a position on anything."
It was the early 1990s, at the height of the heated debate over geothermal development on the Big Island, and the frustrated anti-geothermal leader had meant to insult me.
I returned the remark with a smile and a "thank you." What a compliment!
As a reporter, I'm often asked where I stand on the most controversial issues that I cover. If you're one of those who asked, you likely heard me not take one position over another. Instead, I probably gave you a detailed accounting of the pros and cons of each major position.
Now here's the confession. More than likely, I probably didn't have a position of my own. Forgive me if this comes across as illogical or even self-righteous but I've sort of been trained that way.
The job of a reporter at a daily newspaper involves grabbing as many facts as possible on something of interest to a broad spectrum of the public, sifting out what's relevant, and spitting out that information in a coherent manner for the public to read and digest — often all within a matter of hours. As a government reporter most of my career, that's often meant getting information that's conflicting. Frankly, I don't have time during the work day to form my own opinion. I'm too busy trying to find out everyone else's.
Remaining objective and empathetic to all sides of a story are basic tenets of the craft. Taking a side or being more sympathetic to one side of an issue leaves a reporter with no credibility with those holding other views. It also is of no help to readers who rely on us to provide the information so they can form their own positions.
Sometimes even the most seasoned politicians don't understand our role. While covering the City Hall beat, two bitter rivals simultaneously accused me of being too chummy with the other. Can't a guy be friendly with two people who hate each other, especially if it's his job to try to understand the source of their friction?
Some reporters I know take their objectivity so far as not to vote. I understand the argument but I'm not willing to go that far. Being a reporter shouldn't require you to give up your right to have an opinion. I often don't have one simply because it makes my job a lot easier.
Obviously, being a registered voter means I do have opinions on at least some issues and at least some people. But I wouldn't be human otherwise.
If you're worried I might have a position on something you care about that's contrary to yours, don't sweat it. I'd be more concerned that if I don't agree, or can't figure out your position, I'm probably going to spend more time with you until I know just where you're coming from.
To those of you who feel I have not treated you objectively and fairly, I apologize. Space in the paper and the time for me to speak to you fully on a subject given deadline constraints likely played some role. Still not happy? Call or e-mail me. Let's talk.
I want to hear your side.
One other thing — reporters don't write editorials and don't have any influence on the editorial writers who do although they will sometimes call us for factual information. Just because a newspaper has taken an editorial position on an issue doesn't mean reporters covering the news share the view. In fact, I've had my zeal for covering a certain issue criticized in print by editorial writers sitting only a few feet away from me. That's OK. It proved my point.
Gordon Pang is a veteran reporter of Hawai'i politics and covers state government. Reach him at 525-8070, or at gpang@honoluluadvertiser.com.
