´óÏó´«Ã½

Today, small teams of women, scattered across the farthest reaches of Afghanistan, will write radio scripts with life-saving information about health and nutrition for listeners who are now trapped at home, unable to travel freely, work in most jobs or study beyond primary education, and who are finding it increasingly difficult to access health care. They are still at work, against the odds, in part thanks to support and training that we have been able to deliver in extremely trying conditions.

In Ukraine, local broadcasters on the frontlines will file reports based on the training and support we have provided – ensuring a steady stream of trusted information for audiences used to floods of misinformation about the conflict.

And in Zambia, women in journalism are investigating local corruption and environmental disasters, inspired and supported by the editorial standards and practices of the ´óÏó´«Ã½, and mentoring from some of the ´óÏó´«Ã½â€™s top investigative teams.

In an increasingly dark and complicated world, these are glimpses of light – eyes and ears in some of the most difficult situations on Earth, holding power to account, as best they can in the circumstances.

Autocracy on the rise

They are increasingly rare. Some 75% of the world does not have a fully free press. Autocracy is on the rise and, with it, state-sponsored disinformation that has created a new frontier in conflict.

We are in a world war of information – and we need solutions that protect our critical fourth pillar of society, the trusted and free media who deliver information, stories and hope to audiences.

This is why we have launched The Pursuit of Truth initiative – a new global initiative to mobilise funding, with the support of our donors and partners, to tackle misinformation and support the next generation of truth-tellers - public interest media journalists under 35.

We are proud to be part of the ´óÏó´«Ã½, the world’s most trusted news provider. We draw on ´óÏó´«Ã½ values and editorial standards to support local media serving communities in some of the world’s poorest and most fragile countries and contexts, so that they, too, can provide trusted information to their audiences.

Public interest media will not survive without the ‘last mile’ of support and protection – so great are the political, legal and financial challenges they face.

The Pursuit of Truth will create more inclusive, democratic societies.

It is devoted to accurate reporting through support to journalists, newsrooms, and healthy media ecosystems around the world. We’ll offer direct financial support to frontline media; world class journalism training and support for young journalists to shape the next generation of trusted journalists; and share innovations in journalism technology and tools pioneered by the ´óÏó´«Ã½ – including a focus on the responsible use of AI.

The Pursuit of Truth is our commitment to the global movement to support those who report – without fear or favour – for the benefit of all.

We know, from 25 years of experience in supporting local, trusted media, what works:

• Working in partnership, whether that is pushing for platform accountability and regulation of big tech – or providing lifeline support to independent journalists and media outlets.
• Knowing your audience – through deep research, which allows us to shape content that informs and inspires audiences, helping to tackle information disorder and ensure the viability of local public interest media.
• A partner-first approach – listening to what local partners need for tailored, bespoke support
• Leveraging expertise and support of the wider ´óÏó´«Ã½ - including sharing best practice  around the ethical use of AI in newsrooms, and approaches to ensuring content authenticity.
• Gender equality and social inclusion at the heart - supporting more inclusive and diverse media houses, pushing for commitments on gender equality in production and on air, and tackling discrimination and sexual harassment in newsrooms.  

The Pursuit of Truth will cover all these and more in innovative platforms that ensure a future for truth itself. But we cannot do this alone. If you believe in the critical role of truly public service media in protecting development and democracy, in tackling global challenges like climate change, and to help achieve a freer and fairer world, join us in this fight.

Find out more about The Pursuit of Truth for inclusive, democratic societies