JTI Expands Auditing Reach in France to Strengthen Trusted Journalism

The Journalism Trust Initiative (JTI), launched by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) in 2019, is bolstering its capacity to promote transparency, ethics, and editorial independence by expanding its network of accredited auditors in France and neighboring regions.

Previously limited to a single auditor, the JTI now includes two ISO‑17065-accredited firms—CEVA Solution and ICPF, authorized to independently audit media outlets in France, Belgium, and Switzerland. This expansion supports around 120 media outlets already engaged in the JTI process, including approximately 50 entering audits, by offering more local options and greater flexibility.

JTI—developed with input from over 130 experts under the European Committee for Standardization—serves as an ISO-type framework that verifies media on clear criteria like ownership transparency, ethical guidelines, funding disclosure, and professional editorial practices. Media outlets begin with a voluntary self-assessment and transparency report. If these meet the threshold, external auditors validate compliance and grant a two-year certification, signaling reliability to readers, advertisers, platforms, and regulators.

This localized auditing support is vital to democratizing access to JTI certification, especially as RSF, through initiatives like the “Fast Track Program,” helps smaller, regional news providers navigate the process and cover audit costs.

JTI’s credibility is growing: as of March 2025, more than 2,000 outlets across 119 countries have registered for the program. The initiative also influences broader strategies: policymakers, advertisers, and digital platforms—including Microsoft and Bing—now recognize JTI-certified outlets as trustworthy sources.

In France, major media groups such as TF1, France Télévisions, and regional giants like EBRA have already secured certification. By bringing in CEVA Solution and ICPF, JTI and RSF make independent, recognized certification more achievable and contextually suitable for diverse newsrooms, strengthening ethical standards in one of Europe’s most influential media markets.