Media company FD Mediagroep obtains B Corp certification

FD Mediagroep, the parent company of a well-known website, has recently received a B Corp certification from B Lab. This recognition comes as a testament to the company's dedication to high standards of quality, transparency, social impact, and sustainability.

The B Corp certification was awarded to FD Mediagroep following an assessment on five key themes: governance, environment, employees, customers, and community. The company has demonstrated its commitment to meeting high social and environmental standards, reflecting its ongoing efforts to make a lasting, positive impact.

Eugenie van Wiechen, CEO of FD Mediagroep, expressed her pride in the achievement, stating, "Our journalistic work and data products meet the highest standards, and this certification further validates our commitment to quality, transparency, and sustainability."

Duco de Mol van Otterlo, ESG Manager at FD Mediagroep, also welcomed the certification, viewing it as a tool to strengthen and structure the company's existing ESG policy. He emphasized that the B Corp certification is not intended to influence the editorial independence of the company's editorial teams, but rather to reinforce FD Mediagroep's commitment to social responsibility.

In addition to its journalistic endeavors, FD Mediagroep has organized various initiatives with a strong social impact. These include running 'fake news' workshops for students and cooperating with organizations dedicated to press freedom and the protection of journalists.

Meanwhile, in the financial sector, significant investments are being made to promote sustainability and social impact. JICA has invested $40m in Aavishkaar Capital's supply chain fund, an investment that falls under the categories of Blended finance, Development finance, Impact ecosystem, and Social impact. Similarly, Finnfund has announced an €80m first close of a digital access impact fund, which falls under the categories of Development finance, Financial inclusion, and Social impact.

Aegon AM has also launched a climate transition bond fund, further demonstrating the growing emphasis on environmental and social concerns in the financial sector.

B Lab, the organization that bestows the B Corp certification, was founded in 2006 with a vision to turn companies into a force for good. Today, it includes over 750,000 employees across more than 9,480 B Corps in 80 countries and 161 industries. The B Corp certification for FD Mediagroep is valid for three years, after which recertification and showing improvement is required.

This certification serves as a beacon for other companies, demonstrating that it is possible to grow sustainably while making a lasting, positive impact. FD Mediagroep's commitment to quality journalism, transparency, and social responsibility sets a strong example for the industry.