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.

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Become a Supporter • Donate • Find a Chapter

EIJ19: September 5-7, 2019

Join us this September in San Antonio for the journalism conference that could change your career. Register online by August 12 to be a part of it.

– EIJ19 website
– Online registration: Register today and save
– EIJ19 rates: What's included with your registration
– Plan your trip

Free Event

Dear National News Media: Why Should We Trust You?

Are you skeptical about what you see in the news? Do you believe national journalists and news organizations are biased? Here’s a rare opportunity to raise your concerns in person with national journalists, including representatives from The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Associated Press and BuzzFeed News.

Upcoming events and deadlines

– 7/16/19: Free Event: Dear National News Media: Why Should We Trust You?
– 7/25/19: D.C. Pro chapter freelancers' lunch
– 8/15/19: Deadline: SPJ Chapter Grant Applications
– 8/25/19: International Conference on Journalism and Mass Communication
– 9/05/19: Excellence in Journalism 2019

>> Full calendar

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.

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 NEWS

Former Wyoming Gov. Sullivan to replace NBC’s Pete Williams as moderator of media trust forum

More SPJ News:
– SPJ optimistic about reopening of Duran case
– National journalists to close out 6-month Wyoming media trust project

SPJ Election Central

Everything you need to know about shaping SPJ’s future — both as a voting SPJ member and a candidate for office.

– Meet the candidates
– Run for office
– Cast your vote
– Regional Delegate information

Quill

Excerpt: Bio explores pioneering AIDS reporter Randy Shilts’ wounded heart/determined soul

Freedom of the Prez

A New Game Plan

More from Freedom of the Prez:
– SPJ Renaissance
– Executive Director Transition Plan
– Witnessing the testimony of Jamal Khashoggi’s fiancée

Quo Vadis Democracy in an Age of Disinformation?

More than 30 groups attended SPJ’s World Press Freedom Day summit at the Paley Center for Media in New York City. Read all about it, and watch videos of every session — as well as Maria Ressa's keynote address and SPJ President J. Alex Tarquinio's remarks at UN Headquarters — right 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!

2019 SPJ Chapter Grants: Now taking applications

SPJ’s professional and college chapters are invited to apply for grants of up to $500 for local and regional programs. Get all the details here.

First Amendment T-shirts for sale

SPJ is selling First Amendment T-shirts. We now have two designs — the original "I Back the First" shirt, and the all-new "May the First Be With You" design.

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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