The Wiener Zeitung is the first media outlet in Austria to be officially certified according to the Journalism Trust Initiative (JTI), an international standard for trustworthy journalism developed by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

‘We are proud to welcome Wiener Zeitung as the first Austrian media outlet to be certified under [JTI]. As one of the world’s oldest newspapers, their commitment to transparency and professional standards sets a strong precedent for the entire Austrian media landscape. At a time when newspapers around the world are reinventing themselves in the digital age, rethinking and optimizing how to prove trustworthiness is not just a value — it’s a vital foundation for the future.’

Benjamin Sabbah, Director – Journalism Trust Initiative, RSF

‘For us, JTI certification is more than just a seal of approval – it is an expression of our self-image. We don’t just want to talk about trust, we want to live it in a concrete and verifiable way. As a public medium, we see it as our responsibility not only to demand transparency, relevance and journalistic diligence, but also to exemplify these values.’

Katharina Schmidt, Editor-in-Chief, Wiener Zeitung

‘Certification according to the criteria of [JTI] confirms our approach to rethinking quality journalism in a digital democracy. As one of the oldest media companies in the world, we combine our journalistic tradition with the highest contemporary standards – and thus provide guidance in an age when trust in the media can no longer be taken for granted.’

Martin Fleischhacker, publisher and managing director, Wiener Zeitung media group

Originally published on July 24, 2025 on LinkedIn by Mediengruppe Wiener Zeitung.