SPJ Missions
Freedom of Information
SPJ's Freedom of Information Committee is the watchdog of press freedoms across the nation. It relies upon a network of volunteers in each state organized under Project Sunshine. These SPJ members are on the front lines for assaults to the First Amendment and when lawmakers attempt to restrict the public's access to documents and the government's business. The committee often is called upon to intervene in instances where the media is restricted.
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?
– More information
– Frequently asked questions
– Pledge your support
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.
— More information
— Donate
— How to request an LDF grant
— LDF in action
The Society of Professional Journalists is here to support student journalists nationwide as they begin to mold their careers. Whether it’s a campus chapter, student media outlet or individual, SPJ is here to offer advice, training and up-to-date information on important freedom of information decisions.
Follow this link for resources that can help you and your chapter regarding freedom of information news and education.
Has your student media been censored or threatened? We want to know. We want to help. Read on to find out how SPJ defends student journalists.
– SMACK Home
– J Team: Smack some sense into your censors
– Bayonet Awards: Recognizing the nation's edgiest student journalists
– News: College Media Watchdog
If you're unfamiliar with FOIA laws or just need some guidance, we can help.
– FOI for students
– FOI for pros
Additional guides:
– Reporter’s Guide to FERPA: Family Education Rights and Privacy Act
– Open Doors: Accessing Government Records
– Campus Access Center
The Sigma Delta Chi Foundation provided funding to the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press to help update its Open Government Guide. That updated guide led to the development of the RCFP’s new project, iFOIA.
Quill: Stories About FOI
Why the #FreePress editorials were not enough
Meet the victims of violence against journalists
World Press Freedom Day hits home
Student press freedom laws gain momentum
Related Articles:
Freedom of Information
See archive for more articles
Quill
Why the #FreePress editorials were not enough
Meet the victims of violence against journalists
World Press Freedom Day hits home
Student press freedom laws gain momentum
Isolation and harassment: My life as a female journalist in Pakistan
SPJ News
– SPJ objects to Justice Department secretly confiscating journalists records
– SPJ announces 2017 Mark of Excellence Award winners
– 2018 Black Hole Award bestowed upon Trump and his administration
– SPJ, GAP launch 'The Whistleblower Project'
– SPJ urges Utah, Washington lawmakers to be honest, transparent
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