Society of Professional Journalists - Improving and protecting journalism since 1909

SPJ NEWS

Society of Professional Journalists hires John Shertzer as executive director

More SPJ News:
– SPJ and 28 other journalism groups urge Congress to address communication between journalists and federal agencies
– NMOG Remembers Rep. Elijah Cummings for Steadfast Work for Open Government

Freedom of the Prez

Welcoming our new ED

More from Freedom of the Prez:
– Best of the Best
– Talking back: New org chart should help with communication
– Bread-and-butter year ahead for SPJ

The Journalist's Toolbox

Covering Wildfires

More Journalist's Toolbox:
– Twitter and Social Media Resources
– Reporting/Interviewing Techniques and Tools
– Diversity Links
– Covering Suicide
– Copy Editing Resources

>> Visit The Journalist's Toolbox

Upcoming events and deadlines

– 11/13/19: Amicus with Dahlia Lithwick Live in Miami
– 11/20/19: DC SPJ Freelance Lunch
– 11/25/19: Nominations Open: Mark of Excellence Awards
– 11/25/19: Nominations Open: SPJ New America Award
– 11/25/19: Nominations Open: Sigma Delta Chi Awards

>> Full calendar

The Society of Professional Journalists is the nation’s most broad-based journalism organization, dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and stimulating high standards of ethical behavior.

Learn more • Become a Member • Become a Supporter
Find a Chapter • Donate

Invest in SPJ's future!

SPJ needs your help. An SPJ task force is working with members to create a strategic plan to strengthen the industry and the organization for years to come. We will hold three online focus groups in October to answer these important questions. Get more details here.

– Strategic Planning Task Force
– FAQ

Legal Defense Fund in action: Your donations at work

Action speaks louder than words. See where your donation dollars go and read about the services the Legal Defense Fund has provided to journalists everywhere.

#Press4Education

#Press 4 Education

SPJ and the Journalism Education Association are looking to match journalists and K-12 teachers in a nationwide effort to bring more journalism education to schools. The project, #Press4Education, provides lesson plans, presentations and other resources to journalists who want to volunteer to share their knowledge. Get the details — and get involved — here.

Quill

The future of global journalism

More from Quill:
– The SPJ Code of Ethics at 110
– 10 with Brian Stelter
– Looking backward: 1909

For more than 100 years the Society of Professional Journalists has been dedicated to encouraging a climate in which journalism can be practiced more freely and fully, stimulating high standards and ethical behavior in the practice of journalism and perpetuating a free press. Join us today!

Join SPJ

– Join online in minutes today as a professional, student, post-graduate, retired, lifetime or household member.

– Use our AutoDues option to join SPJ with low monthly payments.

– Join SPJ as a supporter for only $20 a year.

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Why Join?

– How SPJ works for you: Development, career support, local connections, advocacy, industry insights.

– Discounted rates for attending our Excellence in Journalism Conference and nominating your work for SPJ’s Sigma Delta Chi and Mark of Excellence Awards.

– Get access to discounts on everything from insurance to hotel stays to AP Stylebooks and office supplies.

– Member-only website features: Join communities, watch on-demand training videos and webinars, add your information to the Freelancer Directory read our guide for freelancers, and more as part of your SPJ membership.

Join SPJ

– Join online in minutes today.

– Join SPJ with low monthly payments.

– Join SPJ as a supporter for only $20 a year.

– Join by mail using this downloadable form. [PDF]

– Membership expired? Renew in minutes today.

Why Join?

– How SPJ works for you: Advocacy, Development, connections, insights.

– Discounted rates for attending our convention and entering our national journalism awards.

– Get access to discounts on everything from insurance to hotel stays to AP Stylebooks and office supplies.

Journalism Ethics

SPJ’s Code of Ethics

SPJ declares these four principles as the foundation of ethical journalism and encourages their use in its practice by all people in all media.

Ethics Case Studies

There seems to be no shortage of ethical issues in journalism these days. Let these sample cases — nearly 20 in all — guide you in your classes, speeches, columns, workshops or research.

For journalism instructors and others interested in presenting ethical dilemmas for debate and discussion, SPJ has a useful resource. We've been collecting a number of case studies for use in workshops. The Ethics AdviceLine operated by the Chicago Headline Club and Loyola University also has provided a number of examples. There seems to be no shortage of ethical issues in journalism these days. Please feel free to use these examples in your classes, speeches, columns, workshops or other modes of communication.

— Index
— Using the ‘Holocaust’ Metaphor
— Aaargh! Pirates! (and the Press)
— Reigning on the Parade
— Controversy over a Concert
— Deep Throat, and His Motive
— When Sources Won’t Talk
— A Suspect “Confession”
— Who’s the “Predator”?
— The Media’s Foul Ball
— Publishing Drunk Drivers’ Photos
— Naming Victims of Sex Crimes
— A Self-Serving Leak
— The Times and Jayson Blair
— Cooperating with the Government
— Offensive Images
— The Sting
— A Media-Savvy Killer
— A Congressman’s Past
— Crafting a Policy

Journalism Ethics Textbook

Closely organized around SPJ's code of ethics, this updated edition uses real-life case studies to demonstrate how journalism students and pros can identify and reason through ethical dilemmas.

Ethics Help

Have a dilemma? Our experts are standing by. Get your questions answered here.

— Frequently Asked Questions
— Ethics Hotline Information

Donate

The SPJ Foundation: Your Donation Matters

The work of the Society of Professional Journalists Foundation (formerly Sigma Delta Chi Foundation) depends on time, talent and financial support from journalists and others who support these goals.

SPJ General Fund

When you donate to the General Fund, you are providing the resources to cover SPJ’s most pressing needs and ensuring that membership fees remain affordable. In an ever more challenging environment, your support is needed now more than ever.

First Amendment Forever Fund

It isn’t getting any easier to fight for press freedom. It’s getting worse. The Forever Fund is a sustained war chest to guarantee someone is always fighting for press freedom. If we don’t do it, who will?

Legal Defense Fund

The Society's Legal Defense Fund provides journalists with legal or direct financial assistance. SPJ collects and distributes contributions for aiding journalists in defending the rights guaranteed by the First Amendment.

Explore SPJ

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Chapters

SPJ's lengthy roster of chapters provide its backbone. Locate, participate in and develop a chapter here.

Find chapters in your state

SPJ's lengthy roster of chapters provide its backbone. The local chapter is the conduit SPJ members require to learn about events in their local journalism community as well as positions that journalists are taking nationwide on topics such as Freedom of Information and First Amendment rights. Locate, participate in and develop a chapter here.

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Missions and Resources

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Training Programs

Ready to raise your game and take your career to new places? Let SPJ help with its selection of training programs and workshops.