Society of Professional Journalists - Improving and protecting journalism since 1909

SPJ is the nation’s most broad-based journalism organization, dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism.

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

SPJ's Strategic Plan: The road ahead

SPJ’s new, smaller board is embarking on the next step in its evolution — the creation of a strategic plan to guide the Society over the next two to three years. And we need your help to do it.

– More information
– FAQ

The Journalist's Toolbox

This free site from the Society of Professional Journalists contains thousands of links helpful for reporters, editors, educators or anyone else doing research.

This free site from the Society of Professional Journalists contains thousands of links helpful for reporters, editors, educators or anyone else doing research. Edited by former Los Angeles Times reporter and Arizona State University Professor of Practice Mike Reilley, the site is organized by beats and industry topics such as Public Records, Crime, Legal Issues, Science, Environment, Journalism Jobs, Sports and more. The Toolbox is updated twice weekly and several times a day during prominent global breaking news events.

Freedom of the Prez

Bread-and-butter year ahead for SPJ

More from Freedom of the Prez:
– The Last Word
– Advocacy
– Journalism Trust Initiative

SPJ NEWS

Report: Media trust project does not change opinions but fosters dialogue

More SPJ News:
– SPJ calls on Trump administration to open immigration courts to media and public
– Rebecca Tallent and Linda Hall receive Wells Memorial Key, SPJ's highest honor

– SPJ News Archive
– Advocacy Statements and Media Interviews

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

SPJ + Google News Initiative: Tools Training for Journalists

SPJ and the Google News Initiative have teamed up to provide training and outreach to journalists around the U.S. looking to apply Google tools in their newsgathering, reporting and storytelling. Get all the details here.

Give to the SPJ General Fund and receive an anniversary pin!

When you donate to SPJ's General Fund, you are providing the resources to cover our most pressing needs and ensuring that membership fees remain affordable. If you donate $110 or more to the fund, you'll receive a special 110th anniversary pin. We only made 110 of them, so supplies are limited!

Quill

Teaching truth

Upcoming events and deadlines

– 9/17/19: D.C. Pro chapter freelancers' lunch
– 10/15/19: Deadline: SPJ Chapter Grant Applications
– 10/23/19: Hearken's Engagement Innovation Summit
– 12/07/19: Nomination Deadline: Fellows of the Society
– 6/20/20: Entry Deadline: Eugene S. Pulliam First Amendment Award

>> Full calendar

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.

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

– Membership expired? Renew in minutes today.

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

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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