In May of this year, Latvijas Radio was awarded the internationally recognized Journalism Trust Initiative (JTI) certification, developed by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) in 2019. The certification confirms that Latvijas Radio’s journalistic practices and editorial governance meet the highest professional and ethical standards, as independently assessed by an international auditor. Alongside Latvian Television, which received JTI certification last year, Latvijas Radio becomes the only media organization in the country to have met all international audit criteria and obtained this certification.
“In a rapidly changing world where disinformation and misleading content spread faster and more widely than verified news — often even mimicking major media brands — strengthening trust in journalism is more important than ever. We are genuinely pleased to see that Latvian Public Media is actively engaging with the Journalism Trust Initiative to evaluate and improve its editorial processes, accountability practices, and ethical standards, while fostering greater transparency. It is encouraging to see JTI being used as tangible proof of a public media organization’s commitment to trustworthy journalism and building a strong relationship with its audience” says Benjamin Sabbah, Director of the JTI.
The JTI certification was created with the goal of strengthening journalism and building greater resilience in the information space against disinformation, fake news, and propaganda. It serves as a powerful tool to encourage media outlets to improve editorial processes, enhance content quality, and uphold high ethical standards. At the same time, JTI certification helps the public to identify and support trustworthy media.
“It was important for us to independently confirm that the way we produce content aligns with international standards. At the same time, the JTI certification is a response to those who attempt to discredit public service media and sow distrust. Of course, it does not guarantee that we will never make mistakes, but it does mean we will evaluate and correct them,” emphasizes Anita Brauna, Editor-in-Chief of Latvijas Radio.
“The JTI certification is a significant testament to the professionalism of our public service media and its ability to uphold the highest journalistic standards, ensuring high-quality, transparent, and accountable content. This is an important step in strengthening a reliable media environment in Latvia and reaffirms our long-term goal — to be a professional, independent, and public-interest-driven media organization,” says Baiba Zūzena, Chairwoman of the Board of Latvian Public Media.
Latvijas Radio joins 12 broadcasters committed to reliable information
At a time when trust in the media is being put to the test around the world, twelve public broadcasters from nine countries have achieved JTI certification, affirming their commitment to transparent and reliable information. Most of them are European – a strong signal, given that the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) is one of the founding members of the standard. JTI-certified public service media to date include:
- Canada : CBC, Radio-Canada
- France : France Télévisions, France Médias Monde, Radio France
- Ireland : RTÉ
- Latvia : Latvijas Televīzija (LTV), Latvijas Radio (LR)
- Lithuania : Lietuvos nacionalinis radijas ir televizija (LRT)
- Switzerland : Swissinfo.ch
- Taïwan : Radio Taiwan International
- USA : Colorado Public Radio
