In an era where trust in media is often called into question, news organizations like the Fort Worth Report distinguish themselves by demonstrating their commitment to transparency and editorial standards. The nonpartisan local news nonprofit became certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative after a third-party audit from AAM.
We recently spoke with Chris Cobler, founding publisher and CEO, to learn more about how earning a JTI certification helped the Fort Worth Report increase transparency and strengthen credibility with its audience.
Why did your organization become JTI certified?
As a nonprofit news organization, we aim to produce high-quality, objective journalism that informs decision-making, holds leaders accountable and enriches the quality of life for residents in Fort Worth and beyond. We’re committed to earning and maintaining the trust of our audience through transparency and independence. Our reporting is free and accessible, ensuring that everyone in our community has access to the news that matters most. Our pursuit of JTI certification was driven by our desire to strengthen the trust we’ve built with our audience. This program gave us a framework to validate our commitment to quality and trustworthy journalism.
How does the certification differentiate your organization from other local news outlets?
The thoroughness of the audit process — from self-assessments to staff interviews — sets us apart. We voluntarily participated in this certification because we believe transparency and accountability are non-negotiable. It shows our audience that we are committed not just to producing great journalism but to doing so in a way that is open, honest and reliable.
How does being JTI certified benefit your organization?
JTI certification brings visibility to our work and highlights our role in addressing the local news gap in Fort Worth and Tarrant County. It reinforces the trust we’ve earned from our audience and helps attract support from those who value independent, impactful journalism. Our readers and supporters have celebrated this certification, seeing it as a sign of our continued commitment to them.
What did you learn during the process?
It gave us a chance to assess how well we’re living up to our standards, which we already take seriously. Ultimately, it reaffirmed that we’re on the right path but also reminded us that continuous reflection and improvement are vital.
What advice do you have for organizations considering participating in JTI?
Participating in JTI is an excellent opportunity to reflect on your organization’s health and your relationship with your community. It’s a chance to demonstrate your commitment to transparency and accountability — two values that are essential to building trust with your audience. As our supporter Linda Bartles says, “In this day and time, one can never have too many facts — with one caveat: from trusted sources.”
Learn more about the benefits of participating in a JTI certification.
