Ethics in Local Journalism: Bulbul Rajagopal
Ethical Decision-Making in Local Journalism: Interview with Bulbul Rajagopal
Critical and Ethical Issues in Journalism | Spring 2026
Bulbul Rajagopal is a staff writer at New Times in San Luis Obispo County, where she covers a wide range of local issues, including county government, City Hall, crime, courts, and broader community concerns. Inspired by her father, a newspaper editor in India, Rajagopal grew up surrounded by journalism and storytelling.
“My dad was a journalist; he was the editor of a national newspaper in India. So, I was always exposed to that life,” she said.
Following in her father’s footsteps, Rajagopal completed her undergraduate studies in India before interning at National Daily and later earning her master’s degree in journalism from USC. Through her reporting experience, she has learned that ethical decision-making remains central to journalism.
Rajagopal believes strong journalism begins with curiosity. She described reporting as “learning to think outside the box, while also listening to your instincts.” For her, noticing unusual details and questioning situations often leads journalists toward important stories. Alongside curiosity, she emphasized the importance of compassion in reporting.
“We share stories that a lot of people don’t hear, so compassion in that sense makes journalism important,” Rajagopal said.
One of the most significant ethical responsibilities in her reporting involves protecting sources and minimizing harm. Rajagopal recalled a story her newsroom covered about the shortage of regional therapists. One source, a therapist who spoke on the record, described discrimination she experienced while attempting to advertise to LGBTQ+ clients. Although the reporting had been verified, the source later became concerned about possible legal threats from another organization.
“So even though this source I had was on the record, we made that ethical decision to protect our sources,” Rajagopal explained. Ultimately, the newsroom chose not to publish that portion of the story and instead focused on the broader issue of the region’s lack of therapists. For Rajagopal, the decision reflected journalism’s responsibility to prioritize both truth and the well-being of sources.
When discussing anonymous sourcing, Rajagopal explained that journalists must constantly evaluate when anonymity serves the public interest and when it risks weakening transparency. She noted that anonymity is often unnecessary when public sources are willing to speak on the record. However, in situations involving whistleblowers or individuals facing retaliation, she believes anonymity can be justified if the information is independently verified. Rajagopal emphasized that ethical decisions are rarely made alone. Instead, reporters frequently consult editors and newsroom leadership when navigating difficult situations involving sourcing, fairness, and public accountability.
She also reflected on maintaining fairness while covering issues that personally affect her. As a woman of color, Rajagopal reports on controversial subjects, including debates surrounding critical race theory and transgender rights. While acknowledging that some reporting situations can be personally difficult, she believes journalists must maintain professional discipline to present information accurately and fairly. Despite journalism’s ethical challenges, Rajagopal remains motivated by the profession’s broader purpose.
“Journalism is giving a voice to people who have a hard time speaking up or have a hard time being heard,” she said. Her perspective reflects a larger mission within local journalism: ensuring that diverse communities and underrepresented voices remain part of the public conversation.
Rajagopal’s experiences demonstrate that ethical journalism is rarely defined by simple rules, but instead by constant judgment, reflection, and compassion. Through careful reporting and a commitment to integrity, local journalists like Rajagopal continue to play an essential role in maintaining trust between news organizations and the communities they serve.
