It’s SPJ’s Day of Giving!

There’s no better day than today to make a donation in support of ethical journalism.

Donate Now

No thanks, maybe later

Visit SPJ's Ethics Central Website

#SPJEthicsWeek

April 24-29, 2023

"Introduction to Ethics Week" at 7 p.m. EDT Monday — Hear about the history and purpose of Ethics Week as well as a discussion and Q&A on the “Trusted Sources” film

Replay: https://youtu.be/91IR0VceEf0
"Trust, Truth and SPJ"  at 7 p.m. EDT Wednesday  — SPJ presents a discussion on multiple efforts to restore the public’s trust in real journalism, and how SPJ has been an inspiration and now a partner in these efforts.
Replay: https://youtu.be/89ZaiV379Xo
"What Generative AI means For Journalists and Journalism" at 7 p.m. EDT Thursday — SPJ's panel of experts will discuss how generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT and DALLE-E, can be used by journalists to assist in news gathering and production, while examining the potential pitfalls.
Replay: https://youtu.be/DwHjCyIRvCU
"Ethics Open Forum" at 7 p.m. EDT Saturday — Members of the SPJ Professional Standards and Ethics Committee will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about ethical dilemmas, the committee’s goals, the SPJ Code of Ethics and more.
Replay: https://youtu.be/gr01zb7P_xk

Join us for SPJ Ethics Week

The SPJ Code of Ethics states that ethical journalism is truthful, compassionate, independent and transparent. We need ethical journalism — and journalists who work each day with the profession’s highest standards in mind — for democracy and society to thrive.

The past few years have been unusual to say the least. National and world events continue to keep the discussion of journalism ethics at the forefront. From reporting on election to the war in Ukraine to how to report on COVID-19, the SPJ Code of Ethics continues to be a guiding light to journalists around the world. The Code doesn’t tell journalists to sugar coat the news, but it guides journalists to consider the impact of the articles they write, the photos and videos they take and the words they use.

Explore this Ethics Week site to hear from SPJ members about how journalists apply the Code of Ethics to current events. Learn from members of the SPJ Professional Standards and Ethics Committee about “Why Ethics Matter.” Read recent articles pertaining to journalism ethics and disinformation. See examples of award-winning, ethical journalism – and much more.

We hope Ethics Week 2023 will not only help journalists in their endless pursuit of seeking truth and reporting it, but that the public will gain a better understanding of what is ethical journalism, why it’s important and the lengths journalists go to ensure the information they are providing is truthful, minimizes harm, is independent, accountable and transparent.


Seek Truth and Report it

Ethical journalism should be accurate and fair. Journalists should be honest and courageous in gathering, reporting and interpreting information.

Minimize Harm

Ethical journalism treats sources, subjects, colleagues and members of the public as human beings deserving of respect.

Act Independently

The highest and primary obligation of ethical journalism is to serve the public.

Be Accountable And Transparent

Ethical journalism means taking responsibility for one's work and explaining one’s decisions to the public.


 


What can you do?

Join us and show your commitment to ethical journalism.

Be in the know when it comes to finding and sharing ethical news.

Add your voice to the conversation by talking all things truth and ethics on social media.

Donate and help with our efforts to celebrate #SPJEthicsWeek.

View Past Webinars


Check out or toolkit for how to participate in #SPJEthicsWeek

Ethics Week Toolkit

More on Journalism Ethics

A user’s guide to interacting with the press in the United States of America [PDF]

Take an in-depth look at the SPJ Code of Ethics

Order merchandise

Learn about secure places to leak information

Find more ethics resources on SPJ's Toolbox

Read ethics case studies