A New Era for Journalism in Turkey: The Role of the JTI App
Turkish journalists are giving their backing to the Journalism Trust Initiative App (JTI), a powerful new tool for media transparency and accountability that may be key to the future of news media in a country where public trust in the news has fallen dramatically.
Aidan White, EJN Founder and President, and Mustafa Kuleli, Vice President of the European Federation of Journalists
At a pivotal meeting in Istanbul held as part of the Building Trust in Media in SEE project supported by the EU and UNESCO, Aidan White, President of the Ethical Journalism Network (EJN), delivered an inspiring message: in an age dominated by misinformation and sensationalism, ethical journalism can fight back and reclaim its social role as an independent guarantor of reliable and factual information. And in Turkey, media outlets are stepping up to this challenge with enthusiasm.
Today, journalism finds itself at a crossroads. In an era where fake news, conspiracy theories, and click bait undermine the work of news media to give citizens the facts and truthful information they need to play their part in a healthy democracy.
In Turkey, where political challenges already put pressure on media independence, the toxic atmosphere created by online disinformation adds to public uncertainty. Trust in journalism has eroded and many citizens are confused and they question the veracity of the information they consume daily. But hope is not lost.
The JTI, a new tool developed by international media experts and journalism leaders under the leadership of the free speech group Reporters Without Borders, provides a structured solution to this crisis.
It is based upon agreed indicators for trustworthiness and provides potentially rich rewards for media outlets that commit themselves to the highest standards of professional ethics.
The tool helps media ensure they provide the highest standards of ethics, good governance and self-regulation through a transparent process in which they tell the public how they work. They can also qualify for official certification as trusted media.
The ultimate goal is to create a media ecosystem where journalism, recognized for its accuracy and independence, can thrive once again.
This user-friendly tool guides news media through a simple three-step mechanism: self-assessment, public disclosure, and optional certification.
It allows media outlets to make their own self-assessment of how they work and how they meet ethical and human rights standards. They demonstrate their commitment to ethics and transparency by publishing the results of their self-assessment, this report can then be submitted for independent verification, with a trust certificate to follow.
For many Turkish outlets, this offers a valuable opportunity to restore public trust while distinguishing themselves in a crowded digital space.
Many Turkish media outlets, including those I have worked with, have already expressed a strong interest in becoming part of this process. Their commitment to ethical journalism is a promising sign for the future of media.
With more than 1,000 media outlets worldwide already involved in the JTI mechanism, Turkey is poised to become an essential player in this global movement. By embracing the JTI App, our media landscape has the chance to be reshaped in a way that fosters accountability, transparency, and trust.
As a facilitator in this process, I have witnessed the growing enthusiasm of Turkish media professionals, who recognize the immense value of the JTI. The journey may not be easy, but JTI is a beacon of hope for ethical work in a country where news journalism has been operating for years in twilight conditions dominated by self-serving politics and online mischief.
