CPR Obtains Journalism Trust Initiative Certification

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 23, 2023 | 4:01pm CT

Colorado Public Radio

Colorado Public Radio (CPR) becomes the first U.S. media outlet to be awarded a Journalism Trust Initiative (JTI) certification, an international benchmark initiated by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) to fight disinformation by rewarding editorial and professional excellence. CPR was independently audited by the Alliance for Audited Media (AAM), which confirmed CPR's certification according to the criteria of JTI's international standard.

In order to achieve the certification, CPR undertook a thorough self-assessment of its editorial practices designed by JTI to help media outlets gauge their transparency, independence and professionalism.

"Our credibility is paramount in our news coverage. We take great care as we report and produce news stories. Going through this process is an endorsement of our standards, but also helps us ensure our values are understood inside and outside of the newsroom," said CPR News Executive Editor Kevin Dale.

After completing the self-assessment, which is published online in the form of a JTI transparency report, AAM audited the results to provide the certification, which is the first of its kind for a media outlet in the U.S.

"AAM is proud to verify that Colorado Public Radio has met the requirements surrounding transparency, professionalism and accountability to earn certification from the Journalism Trust Initiative," said AAM CEO and managing director Tom Drouillard. "JTI aligns with our continuing mission to help quality media earn greater industry recognition for their commitment to trust."

The JTI benchmark is an official ISO standard measuring news publishers' ability to deliver editorial content that adheres to specific conditions of transparency, independence and professionalism. As of July 2023, 100 media outlets from around the world have completed the JTI self-assessment and published their transparency reports. In the U.S., just over 100 media outlets have started the JTI process and 13 of them have achieved the self-evaluation step and published their report.