As an independent, non-profit news platform focused on rights-based journalism, bianet.org has spent more than two decades reporting on human rights, freedom of expression, and marginalized voices in Turkey. It has now become the first media outlet in the country to receive the Journalism Trust Initiative certification, highlighting both the resilience of independent journalism and the importance of initiatives that aim to rebuild trust in news. This achievement comes in a challenging environment for journalism: Turkey ranks 163rd out of 180 countries in Reporters Without Borders’ 2026 World Press Freedom Index, reflecting a climate marked by censorship, political pressure, and economic constraints on independent media.
Journalism Trust Initiative (JTI): bianet.org is the first media outlet in Turkey to receive JTI certification. What are the main challenges facing independent media in the country today?
Murat İnceoğlu, Editor in Chief, bianet.org (İnceoğlu): Independent media in Turkey faces a combination of economic, political, and digital challenges. Economic sustainability remains a central issue, as independent outlets struggle to secure advertising revenue in a market dominated by mainstream and pro-government media. At the same time, companies critical of the government are often hesitant to advertise due to fear of political repercussions.
Political pressure also plays a major role. Lawsuits, investigations, and other forms of judicial pressure can influence editorial decisions and contribute to self-censorship. Structural barriers to freedom of expression and access to information persist.
On the digital front, dependence on platform algorithms poses growing risks. Changes in social media algorithms, in particular on X, have significantly reduced traffic to news websites, while reliance on Google’s systems imposes constraints on publishing practices. Additionally, news avoidance is increasing, especially among younger audiences, leading to declining engagement and shifting consumption patterns.
“For bianet, JTI certification is the formal recognition of a rights-based editorial approach we have upheld for 25 years. It is both meaningful and a source of pride.„
Murat İnceoğlu, Editor in Chief, bianet.org
JTI: What did the JTI self-assessment process involve for your organization?
İnceoğlu: The self-assessment process provided an opportunity to systematically review and consolidate our editorial practices and institutional structures. For 25 years, bianet.org has developed a dynamic, rights-based journalism model, but many of our policies were not formally standardized.
The main challenge was to bring together dispersed practices—such as editorial principles, ethical guidelines, and verification processes—into a structured and measurable framework. As part of this effort, we updated our editorial handbook and made it publicly accessible.
We also continue to strengthen our policies, including work on the responsible use of artificial intelligence, particularly in areas like visual production where verification is becoming increasingly important.
Q: How did you experience the external audit process?
İnceoğlu: Under our cooperation with SIDA, we are already subject to regular audits and, therefore, many of the questions raised in the JTI process were already aligned with existing practices and documentation. Our collaboration with SIDA, alongside our work with bianet.org’s mother organization IPS Communication Foundation, ensures ongoing monitoring and accountability.
The external audit was a key step in reinforcing institutional transparency. The process was smooth, and the timely completion of our application by the auditing body strengthened our confidence in both our internal systems and the certification itself. The certification body also provided constructive and consistent guidance throughout the process, which helped us navigate the requirements effectively.
Q: What does JTI certification mean for bianet.org, and how do you plan to use it going forward?
İnceoğlu: For bianet, JTI certification is the formal recognition of a rights-based editorial approach we have upheld for 25 years. It is both meaningful and a source of pride.
Looking ahead, we expect the certification to increase our visibility on digital platforms and support our efforts to secure new funding opportunities. It may also provide advantages in terms of inclusion in trusted media lists and improved algorithmic visibility.
More broadly, in a context where public trust in the press is declining in Turkey, we see JTI as an important self-regulation mechanism that can help rebuild trust between journalists and audiences. We aim to promote the certification among our peers and encourage wider adoption.
At the same time, we plan to expand reader support programs and use the credibility associated with JTI certification to build stronger, more sustainable relationships with both readers and potential supporters.
