He's not a journalist in any sense of the word.
A journalist reports the facts. You can't worry about the reaction of your work unless your report will get someone killed, injured or you will endanger people by releavling a secret.
If you're a real journalist, you have to be honest with your sources and let them know that there's zero quid pro quo in your relationship. Don't leave room for a mistunderstanding. Make it clear. If you have a legit and confirmed story that's going to make them look bad, you're going to report it.
Believe me, in most cases your sources will completely respect your job and continue to work with you. They know you will, in turn, make sure to report the positive news with equal enthusiam.
What's hated by law enforcement, elected officials, medical personnel, military, PR types, etc., is when you report only the bad news and ignore the good news.