JTI certifies NatureNews for media integrity

NatureNews is the first news media in Nigeria to be certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative (JTI). The certification, which was announced at the weekend, is sequel to the newspaper’s excellent performance on a score of JTI parameters.

JTI is an ISO-Standard international organisation designed to provide a transparent mechanism for curbing misinformation and providing tangible rewards for ethical and professional journalism.

A statement by the media organisation said the JTI standards were developed by the Paris-based Reporters Without Borders (Reporters Sans Frontieres, RSF) in partnership with 130 experts and organisations representing journalists, editors, technology and advertising industries.

The statement says more than 400 media outlets from over 70 countries are currently participating in the JTI programme, with NatureNews being the first media establishment in the country to be JTI certified.

In a letter conveying the prestigious certification, Mr. Macoumba Ndour said: “NatureNews has been independently certified according to the JTI and CEN Workshop Agreement No. 17493.2019.

Ndour said, “the certificate covers the media production, media business management, production quality, and information reliability of the news brand.”

The Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of NatureNews, Aliu Akoshile, said he was obviously thrilled and excited by the successful audit after working so hard for it.
He said: “The JTI certification is a culmination of the rigorous online evaluation and scrupulous onsite verification of our journalism processes based on performance indicators administered by the International Risks and Quality, IRISQ.”

According to him, “coming barely two months to the fourth year anniversary of NatureNews,” he noted, “the certification is a testament to our unwavering commitment to journalism ethics, managerial excellence, professional integrity, accountability, and corporate governance.”

The publisher expressed deep appreciation to the newspaper’s Advisory Board, which is composed of highly distinguished personalities from across Africa, as he reiterated their invaluable insights and tremendous support to the young newspaper.

Launched October 1, 2020 NatureNews is an independent online newspaper that is based in Abuja, Nigeria. It has carved a niche as Africa’s foremost authoritative newspaper on environment, climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable earth.