Contacts:
Andrew Seaman, SPJ Ethics Committee Chair, 570-483-8555, andrew.m.seaman@andrewmseaman.com
Jennifer Royer, SPJ Communications Strategist, 317-361-4134, jroyer@spj.org

INDIANAPOLIS – The Society of Professional Journalists will #PressforEthics during Ethics Week 2017, April 24-28.

SPJ’s Code of Ethics states that ethical journalism is truthful, compassionate, independent and transparent. The goal of this year’s Ethics Week is to not only help journalists explain how they ethically cover stories, but to share with the public information about what journalists do, how to identify ethical journalism, where to find it and how to support it.

"Our job is not to serve up partisan politics, hyperventilate on social media, generate fat headlines or enrich big egos. We work for a diverse nation with some very vulnerable populations who deserve respectful engagement, fair consideration and thoughtful coverage,” said Soledad O'Brien, CEO of StarfishMedia and host of Matter of Fact.

More details will be released as Ethics Week approaches, but everyone can join in the conversation on social media at #PressforEthics.

"The public needs ethical journalism now more than ever,” said Andrew Seaman, SPJ Ethics Committee chair. “Journalists all around the world work each day with our profession's highest standards in mind. For SPJ, Ethics Week is an opportunity to educate the public about our work, and practices and reinforce the importance of journalism in public discourse. SPJ’s aim is clear: we show the public that responsible, ethical and accurate journalism is not 'fake news,’ it is the bedrock of democracy.”

In addition to a BIG SURPRISE in the BIG APPLE to kick off the week, Ethics Week will be full of opportunities for SPJ Chapters, journalism schools and newsrooms to educate and celebrate ethics in journalism. SPJ Ethics Committee members will write blog posts and editorials that can be shared and published, and SPJ leaders will host Facebook Live and Twitter chats.

These activities are only the beginning, so be sure to watch SPJ’s Facebook, Twitter and #PressforEthics for updates. More information will also be shared at ethics.spj.org.

SPJ Chapters, journalism schools and newsrooms may request free Code of Ethics posters and bookmarks by filling out this form. Or download printable copies here.

The general public may request a free copy of the Code of Ethics by filling out this form. Small and large posters may also be purchased in SPJ’s J-Mart.


SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to informing citizens; works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists; and fights to protect First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press. Support excellent journalism and fight for your right to know. Become a member, give to the Legal Defense Fund, or give to the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation.

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