Journalists Using Confidential Sources

I am for and against on journalists using confidential sources in their work. I think it’s a good way to get information from people who do not want their name shared with the public. The sources could be legitimate, but could lose their jobs or hurt someone they know if their names are shared in the story. A source could also be involved in criminal activity and does not want to be mentioned in the story. Shield laws are important and used in some states because they protect the journalist to an extent. It is critical, in my opinion, that more states adopt these laws if journalists are allowed to use confidential sources.
However, I am against journalist using confidential sources because the journalist is taking a risk. If the government