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

Editor’s Note: SPJ Ethics Committee Chair Andrew Seaman and SPJ National President Lynn Walsh are available for interviews and media appearances about journalism ethics now through April 28. See above contact information for scheduling.

INDIANAPOLIS – Several events are planned for the Society of Professional Journalists Ethics Week 2017 that are designed to help journalists and the public talk about ethical journalism – where to find it, how to identify it and how to support and share it.

Ethics Week 2017 is April 24-28 and can be followed on social media using #PressforEthics.

SPJ’s Code of Ethics, first written in 1973 and revised several times since, states that ethical journalism is truthful, compassionate, independent and transparent. The SPJ Code of Ethics, available in nine languages, is voluntarily embraced by thousands of writers, editors and other news professionals around the world.

"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.

In addition to specific activities planned for the entire week, anyone can join in the conversation using #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, as well as 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.”

The complete SPJ Ethics Week 2017 schedule is as follows:

Monday, April 24

• Enjoy a BIG surprise in the BIG APPLE to kick off Ethics Week 2017.
• Change your Facebook and Twitter profile photos and share social cards on your social media to show you support ethical journalism.
• Read and share SPJ Ethics Committee Chair Andrew Seaman’s blog post on the Code Words blog.

Tuesday, April 25

• Read and share SPJ National President Lynn Walsh’s blog post on the Code Words blog.
• Post Ethics Week social cards to your social media.
• Ask SPJ Ethics Committee Chair Andrew Seaman your journalism ethics questions during Ethics Hotline Live, at 7 p.m. EDT on SPJ’s Facebook page via Facebook Live. Submit your questions ahead of time here.

Wednesday, April 26

• Stay tuned to SPJ’s social media to find out how you can support ethical journalism. It promises to be a fun day full of surprises!
• Read and share SDX Foundation President Robert Leger’s guest blog post about how the foundation supports ethical journalism on the Code Words blog.
• Tune in The Jim Bohannon Show at 11 p.m. EDT where SPJ Ethics Committee Chair Andrew Seaman will talk about ethical journalism and current events.

Thursday, April 27

• Read and share SPJ Ethics Committee Member Kathryn Foxhall’s blog post on the Code Words blog.
• Join @spj_tweets for a Twitter chat about journalism ethics at 7 p.m. EDT. Be sure to use #PressForEthics.

Friday, April 28

• Join us as we send 500 letters to members of Congress introducing them to the SPJ Code of Ethics and asking them to join us in a conversation about ethical journalism when SPJ is in Washington, D.C., in June. Tweet to your representatives and tell them you think ethical journalism is important.
• Read and share some final Ethics Week 2017 thoughts by Ethics Committee Chair Andrew Seaman on the Code Words blog.


In addition to these activities and events, Ethics Week will be full of opportunities for SPJ chapters, journalism schools and newsrooms to educate and celebrate ethics in journalism.

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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