Public Media, Digital Innovators, and Historic Magazines Unite for Journalism Integrity

The Trust Project's New Partners

On February 4, 2025, the Trust Project announced exciting new partnerships that aim to elevate standards in journalism through the implementation of Trust Indicators. This initiative has been embraced by two public media organizations, a global digital magazine, and a state-focused investigative newsroom looking to reinforce the authenticity and credibility of their news coverage.

The new partners include the Midwest Newsroom, which specializes in investigative and enterprise public radio journalism, and Rocky Mountain PBS, the only statewide television station in Colorado. With these alliances, the Trust Project marks a significant milestone in the U.S. by bringing public media into the fold of trusted news dissemination, allowing audiences to easily identify content worthy of their attention and trust.

The importance of transparency in journalism cannot be overstated, and the Trust Project is pioneering a movement that integrates integrity into every facet of news production. By committing to the 8 Trust Indicators, these organizations are enhancing their operational standards and making clear to the public where their information comes from and what principles guide their reporting.

Enhancing Journalism Integrity

Newsweek, a renowned international magazine with a history spanning 92 years, has also joined this movement, undertaking substantial improvements to align with the Trust Indicator standards. Furthermore, the Maine Monitor, a dedicated provider of investigative reporting, is committed to promoting transparency and accountability within its reporting practices.

As these new partners begin to adopt the Trust Indicators, they will engage with their communities to offer insights into their journalistic processes. This includes sharing information about their sources, editorial guidelines, and the overarching principles they follow to maintain integrity and credibility in their news coverage.

Sally Lehrman, the founder and CEO of the Trust Project, emphasized the importance of these transformations, stating, "These new media organizations have worked closely with us to strengthen the value of their journalism for the public. We are proud of the significant changes they have undertaken to earn the trust that comes from transparency and integrity."

Mission and Future Prospects

The goal of the Trust Project is to help its hundreds of news partners embed integrity within every step of their journalistic practices—from news gathering to online presentation of audio and video news, as well as operational transparency. Agencies that successfully fulfill the Trust Indicators will earn the Trust Mark, signaling their commitment to quality journalism.

In addition to the new partnerships, the Trust Project has welcomed two distinguished board members: Claes de Vreese, an expert in AI and Society from the University of Amsterdam, and Anya Schiffrin, Director at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs. Their extensive backgrounds in technology, research, and global media will significantly contribute to the mission of ensuring that people have access to reliable news and can engage fully in democratic societies.

The Trust Project also received renewed funding from Craig Newmark Philanthropies, which will support all members within its network in applying the Trust Indicators effectively.

The Foundation of Trust

The Trust Project operates as a non-profit and impartial entity dedicated to transparency, accuracy, and inclusiveness in journalism. With the establishment of the Trust Indicators, developed collaboratively by journalists, the Project seeks to aid everyday people as well as technology in assessing the authority and integrity of news sources. These guidelines are based on user research and are enforced independent of the project's funding sources.

For more information about the Trust Project and its principles, visit Trust Project FAQ.

The involvement of public media and notable magazines in the Trust Project marks a progressive step toward nurturing an informed society. By remaining committed to honesty and integrity, these organizations are setting a benchmark for responsible journalism that serves the public interest and upholds the core values of democracy and accountability.