SCMP opens up on news process in a bid to push transparency and accuracy

The South China Morning Post (SCMP) has joined The Trust Project, a global network of major news outlets working to affirm and amplify journalism’s commitment to transparency, accuracy and inclusion. According to a press statement, SCMP is the first Asian news organisation to join the network. It joins 32 other news sites run by seven news organisations, including BBC, The Washington Post, and The Economist.

SCMP has implemented transparent newsroom policies that adhere to The Trust Project's trust indicators, which includes policies on ethics, corrections, fact-checking and sourcing .These trust indicators featured on its pages aim to provide readers with insight into the methodology of SCMP’s journalism as an authentic, reliable, and balanced news source.

Approved news sites with the Trust Project show who and what is behind a news story, enabling readers to make informed decisions about what to read and share. The incoming news partners extend the trust indicators’ reach to more than 200 news sites and hundreds of millions of people a month.

According to SCMP, this commitment underlines its dedication to press freedom and quality journalism and reinforces its continued mission to lead the global conversation on China with trustworthy and comprehensive reporting.

SCMP CEO Gary Liu said this is the latest step in its drive to earn its readers' trust through transparent practices. “SCMP believes a commitment to transparency is foundational to journalistic excellence, which is why today we are pleased to join the Trust Project," he said, adding that it hopes other news organisations in the region will join it in implementing clear policies to bolster the freedom of the press.

Tammy Tam, editor-in-chief, SCMP, said: “Especially in this global coronavirus pandemic, what the world needs now is swift and objective coverage from credible news sources and focus on transparency and education to prevent overreaction and panic.”

Sally Lehrman, founder and chief executive of the Trust Project, said it is proud of SCMP's hard work and commitment to the public. She added that as The Trust Project expands and more news site adopt its Trust Indicators, it can slow the spread of false and misleading news and enhance valuable journalism across the world.

Meanwhile last year, SCMP collaborated with business investment weekly The Edge Singapore on a content deal to grow international readership and reach.The partnership entailed a content sharing agreement across digital and print platforms on SCMP’s weekly property publication, Property Post and EdgeProp Singapore. The collaboration was aimed to allow both publications to offer property seekers "robust and actionable" content on the evolving property scene in Singapore and Hong Kong. Both the publications will cover topics such as government efforts in major cities such as Hong Kong and Singapore stemming housing price spikes in the form of higher buyer’s stamp duties on foreigners and short-term investors.

Related Articles:
Q&A with SCMP CEO Gary Liu: Asia expansion and digital ambitions
SCMP revamps website, offers personalised editorial and branded content