Strengthening trust, credibility in complicated media landscape By: Paul Samyn Posted: 7:00 PM CST Friday, Feb. 18, 2022

Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 17/02/2022 (1040 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

For years, any correspondence I have with readers usually ends with the following line before my signature: I hope we continue to earn your trust.

That expression of hope is based on the recognition trust is our key asset, one that must never be taken for granted. The journalism we produce each day will either strengthen that asset or potentially put it at risk.

Since 1872, the Free Press has worked hard to build trust with readers and, as we mark our 150th anniversary, we’re pleased to announce a new initiative to strengthen such faith.

The algorithms designed to profit social media giants amplify extremes so hate, hoaxes and lies can speed halfway around the world before, as Mark Twain noted, the truth can get its boots on. The cry of “fake news” keeps gaining momentum, regardless of how many journalistic facts are put on the table.

After an extensive independent review of our practices and standards, the Free Press has received certification from the Journalism Trust Initiative, a global effort led by Reporters Without Borders.

As one of only two Canadian media outlets to achieve this recognition, the Free Press had to meet a number of key benchmarks of quality, independence, transparency and accountability. That seal of approval, also granted to the publicly funded CBC News, is designed to give us a competitive advantage in this era of what the Journalism Trust Initiative calls the “grand de-enlightenment.”

How badly tilted is playing field against a newspaper like the Free Press these days?

The algorithms designed to profit social media giants amplify extremes so hate, hoaxes and lies can speed halfway around the world before, as Mark Twain noted, the truth can get its boots on. The cry of “fake news” keeps gaining momentum, regardless of how many journalistic facts are put on the table.

There’s more rumour and rhetoric and less fact-based discourse. There’s more distrust everywhere, whether it be in an anti-mandate protest outside the Manitoba Legislative Building or among those who stormed the U.S. Capitol and still believe Joe Biden stole the 2020 presidential election.

Is it any wonder this unhealthy information space has prolonged the COVID-19 pandemic by slowing vaccine uptake? Would there have been a need for the invocation of the federal Emergencies Act to clear Ottawa of its occupation force if truth had been able to trump the conspiracy theories fueling many of the protesters?

The Free Press’ reputation, our reach and revenues all depend on trust. A strong Manitoba depends on a strong newspaper like the Free Press to deliver information citizens need and deserve.

In today’s confusing and complicated media landscape, credibility is critical to sustainability.

The Free Press’ reputation, our reach and revenues all depend on trust. A strong Manitoba depends on a strong newspaper like the Free Press to deliver information citizens need and deserve.

That’s why we’ve taken this step to certify with the Journalism Trust Initiative. That’s why I encourage you to read up what that certification means when you turn to the Free Press. (We’ve included a detailed explanation of certification and links to the Journalism Trust Initiative on our website in the About Us section.)

As always, I hope we continue to earn your trust.

Paul Samyn is the Free Press editor.

paul.samyn@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @paulsamyn

Paul Samyn
Editor

Paul Samyn has been part of the Free Press newsroom for more than a quarter century, working his way up after starting as a rookie reporter in 1988.

   Read full biography