Society of Professional Journalists - Improving and protecting journalism since 1909

SPJ Leads: Wednesday, June 3, 2020
SPJ opposes violence against, provides resources for, journalists covering protests

@spj_tweets

– "For reporters who don’t generally use the Freedom of Information Act or similar state-level laws, asking for public records about the coronavirus now could trigger a wave of unique stories that go beyond infections, deaths, cancellations and closures." https://t.co/4FwMZTTNU6

– "...a note fluttered out of the newspaper. It was from Gina Singer, who, with her daughter, Brittany, had been working this Mason Lake route for years. If you needed a mask to protect yourself during the coronavirus pandemic...we’re happy to make you one." https://t.co/n9x0w3HAaH

SPJ is monitoring the spread of the coronavirus and the impact it has on our members and their work, as well as SPJ conferences and events. We are committed to sharing vital information and updates with our members and partners.

All of SPJ's spring regional conferences have been canceled or postponed. Follow this page for additional information, including rescheduled dates if/when those dates are announced.

The in-person SDX Awards banquet in June has been canceled. An online ceremony will commence in its place. We are continuing to assess the situation with EIJ20 and will provide updates as soon as they’re available.

We’re in this together.

To those affected by layoffs: SPJ supports you and wants to help.

– Membership dues waiver request
– SPJ’s Employment and Career Center: Apply for jobs, connect with journalists and more
– Journalists Helping Journalists [LinkedIn]
– Discounts, jobs, resources and more

– What you can do: Gift an SPJ membership, join our ranks, and help us help journalism

Let's do this together.

Is your organization hosting a webinar you think would be of interest to journalists? Submit the details here and we’ll help spread the word!

– 6/04/20: Why creating an inclusive newsroom in the time of COVID-19 is urgent
– 6/04/20: SPJNE Zoom Series: Covering Protests Against Police Brutality
– 6/04/20: Strategies for Safely Covering Protests
– 6/04/20: Lessons Learned Reporting on a Pandemic: New York
– 6/05/20: Stories from the Frontlines: Journalists and Protests with CNN's Brian Stelter

>> Full calendar

June 5, 12 p.m. ET • Free

Stories from the Frontlines: Journalists and Protests with CNN's Brian Stelter

Join CNN Reliable Sources host Brian Stelter as he talks with journalists covering the protests over the death of George Floyd. Why have journalists faced such unprecedented harassment, intimidation and detainment during this fast-moving story? How can they protect themselves and get the access they need to keep their communities informed going forward? Reflections, suggestions, tips, and more.

This is a free session open to all. Pre-registration is required. Get more details and register here.

The Journalist's Toolbox

Coronavirus, SARS and Flu Resources

More Journalist's Toolbox:
– Coronavirus and COVID-19 Data and Research
– Diversity Links
– First Amendment and Free Speech Resources
– Twitter and Social Media Resources
– Coronavirus Media Coverage and Social Media

>> Visit The Journalist's Toolbox

Webinar Replays

– A Semester Sendoff from Jorge Ramos: Journalism Needs You Now More Than Ever
– College Media Revenue Reversal
– Censorship: Getting Past Reporting Roadblocks in the Time of COVID-19
– Webinar replay: COVID-19 Crisis: Economic Relief for Freelance Journalists
– Journalism on Film: The Good The Bad The Obscure

> See all videos

Reporting ethically

– 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.

– Newsletter: Covering Coronavirus: Tips for Journalists
– Fact-checking coronavirus stories [IRE + SPJ]
– Coronavirus Misinformation Tracking Center [NewsGuard]
– The Newsroom Guide to COVID-19
– The Open Notebook tip sheet
– Asian American Journalists Association tips for journalists

Additional resources and tips

– Reporters Without Borders: Tracker-19
– The Johns Hopkins coronavirus map
– Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
– World Health Organization
– U.S. Travel Association
– Meeting Professionals International
– Coronavirus / COVID-19 Legislation [openstates.org]
– Newsletters

Grants and assistance

– SPJ Foundation Journalists’ Emergency Fund
– Facebook Journalism Project COVID-19 Local News Relief Fund
– FOI step-by-step guides for students and pros

Tools and Guidance for Freelancers

Join the Freelance Community Facebook group!

Great discussions await. If you have an interest in freelance journalism, you're invited to join our Facebook group.

On Your Own: A Guide to Freelance Journalism

The online version of the SPJ Freelance Community’s guide to freelancing. Free for all members.

Freelance Opportunities and Pitching Resources

– Freelance Opportunities: Discover new opportunities with this regularly-updated collection of fellowships, grants, awards, contests and training initiatives.

– Freelance Pitching Resources: Find your next outlet and craft a perfect pitch with this collection of publications and their pitching guidelines.

SPJ Freelancer Resources

– Freelance Business Basics (PDF)

– A Beginner’s Guide to Copyright for Freelance Journalists (PDF)

– SPJ Videos on Demand about Freelancing and Branding

– Contract Clauses on Copyright: A library of clauses from freelance journalism contracts

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.

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Upcoming events and deadlines

– 5/21/20: ElectionSOS
– 6/04/20: Why creating an inclusive newsroom in the time of COVID-19 is urgent
– 6/04/20: News Philanthropy Network: Virtual Donor Events
– 6/04/20: Strategies for Safely Covering Protests
– 6/04/20: Lessons Learned Reporting on a Pandemic: New York

>> Full calendar

Quill

Ethics: Should journalists take photos and video of protesters?

Announcing the winners of the 2019 national Mark of Excellence Awards for collegiate journalists

The Society of Professional Journalists is pleased to announce the national winners of the 2019 Mark of Excellence Awards, recognizing collegiate work published or broadcasted during 2019.

SPJ Historic Sites in Journalism: Virtual tour and nominations

SPJ's Historic Sites in Journalism recognition honors individuals, news organizations and places of national historic journalism interest. Take a virtual tour of previous Historic Sites honorees, and nominate a new site for distinction today.

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!

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Join SPJ

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– 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

New! Media Ethics: 5th Edition

Closely organized around SPJ's Code of Ethics, this updated edition uses real-life case studies to demonstrate how students and professionals in journalism and other communication disciplines 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: Donate Today

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.

Journalism Training

The Journalist's Toolbox

Coronavirus, SARS and Flu Resources

>> Visit The Journalist's Toolbox

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.

FOI step-by-step guides

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

#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.

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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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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.