SPJ News
- SPJ joins coalition condemning FCC chair threats against broadcasters
- SPJ names State of Massachusetts recipient of 2026 Black Hole Award
- SPJ launches public and journalist surveys as it considers first ethics code update in 12 years
- SPJ demands release of Nashville journalist detained by federal immigration authorities
Help shape the future of the SPJ Code of Ethics
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the SPJ Code of Ethics, journalism’s most influential ethics code. The Society of Professional Journalists is considering updates to the Code for the first time since 2014, and just the sixth time in the Code’s history.
The SPJ Ethics Committee has launched two brief surveys to gather feedback from journalists and the public. The responses will help inform the committee’s review of the Code and guide potential updates.
- 4/7/26: Following the Files: How Student Journalists Can Investigate Epstein Connections on Campus
- 4/9/26: Nomination Deadline: Historic Sites in Journalism Award
- 4/9/26: Nomination Deadline: Fellow of the Society Award
- 4/9/26: Nomination Deadline: Distinguished Teaching Award
- 4/9/26: Nomination Deadline: Sunshine Award
What we’re up to
What we do
Our Role: A Voice for Journalists Across the Country: SPJ’s Strategic Priorities Overview
We are champions for journalists.
- We recognize the achievements of journalists and best practices of media organizations through our awards programs.
- We educate journalists on best practices, skills and new innovations.
- We create products and services that help instill pride of vocation in journalists at all stages in their career.
- We encourage news organizations to build newsrooms that are diverse, equitable and inclusive.
We are fighters for the First Amendment.
- We monitor and fight against efforts to violate the First Amendment and suppress free press.
- We defend journalists through legal defense funds and activate initiatives to protect the First Amendment through our First Amendment Forever Fund.
- We increase public awareness and support of the First Amendment through training and education.
We are stewards for ethical journalism.
- We build public trust in the media and greater accountability in the profession via an ethics response team, ethics hotline, and other programming.
- We promote and advance ethics through a Code of Ethics that is the most widely used code in journalism today.
- As our Code of Ethics states, we encourage journalists to boldly tell the story of the diversity and magnitude of the human experience.
We are producers of journalism’s future.
- We proactively design initiatives that amplify new and diverse voices for both SPJ and journalism overall.
- We provide examination, thought leadership and resources that support a more sustainable future for journalism.
- We help prepare the next generation of journalists through our student and young professional programs.
- We embrace, employ and educate journalists on technology and innovation to build journalism’s future.
What else we’re up to
Legal Defense Fund
SPJ’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.
First Amendment Forever Fund
The First Amendment Forever Fund is a sustained war chest to guarantee someone is always fighting for press freedom. If we don’t do it, who will?
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