Reporters Without Borders (RSF), a global media watchdog, has trained no fewer than 13 media organizations on the importance of adopting Journalism Trust Initiative (JTI) standards for trustworthy journalism practice in Nigeria.
The JTI is a market-driven solution aimed at promoting the credibility of quality journalism, reducing disinformation, and transforming it into a tangible competitive advantage.
The Africa Regional Manager of Reporters Without Borders’ Journalism Trust Initiative, Marc Aboflan, at the training in Abuja, explained that the training was aimed at motivating media managers in Nigeria to pursue and adopt standards that encourage trustworthy journalism.
Aboflan also advocates for responsible media practices and stringent regulations that uphold truth and accuracy.
“The primary objective of the training was also to provide guidance on aligning existing editorial processes, performance, and ethical conduct with JTI requirements.”
“Today, the practice of journalism is certifiable according to the standards of the industry, and that is what the JTI standards are trying to achieve.
“The JTI standards benefit media outlets with trust. People can identify with the media outlets as trustworthy sources.”
Also, the Editor of Extractive360, Juliet Ukanwosu, who spoke on behalf of Reporters Without Borders, said the workshop was intended to promote a healthier information space by developing and implementing indicators for the trustworthiness of journalism. It aims to promote and reward compliance with professional norms and ethics.
Ukanwosu, therefore, said the workshop seeks to highlight the importance of adopting the JTI for media publishers and managers in Nigeria and outline the incentives and benefits it offers.
“The JTI provides an inclusive transparency and compliance tool applicable to newsrooms of all sizes and types worldwide. By conforming to the JTI standards, media outlets can optimize their editorial processes, performance, and ethical conduct, giving them a competitive edge.
“This initiative allows media houses to engage in trustworthy journalism, stand out from the competition, and be recognized as one of the most credible media sources globally.
“The JTI also enables consumers and citizens, regulators, investors, donors, and the private sector, like advertisers and distributors, to identify and reward trustworthy journalism. It contributes to a healthier information space at large with an independent, transparent, systemic, and potentially game-changing self-regulatory mechanism,” she said.
READ ALSO FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE