SPJ.org
– News
– Calendar
– Chapters
– SPJ Blogs Network
– Journalist's Toolbox
– Excellence in Journalism
About SPJ
– SDX Foundation
– SPJ Experts
– Headquarters Staff
– Board of Directors
– Legal Defense Fund
– Awards
– History and Timeline
– Donate
– Advertise
– Merchandise
Missions and Resources
– Journalism Training
– Freedom of Information
– Ethics
– Diversity
– Freelancers
– Students
– Educators
– International
– Generation J
SPJ Members
– Members Home
– Edit Profile
– Renew Membership
– Membership Directory
– Join SPJ
– Why Join?
Tip: Press the ESC key to instantly call up a feed containing all the newest SPJ news and updates to our social channels.
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.
We invite you to join us today!
– Join Online
– Benefits of an SPJ Membership
– Membership Fees
1. Join online
2. Download a form and join by mail or fax [PDF]
3. Request an application by mail
Membership expired? Renew in minutes today.
– How SPJ Works for You
– Discounted Services for Members
– Testimonials: Why I'm a Member
– Three Reasons to Join: Education, Support, Advocacy
– Membership Fees
– Join Now!
– FOI Resources
– FOI Committee Blog
– FOI FAQ: Pros | Students
– Shield Law
– News/Articles
– Find FOI Locally
– Ethics Resources
– SPJ Code of Ethics
– Ethics Committee Blog
– Committee Position Papers
– News/Articles
– Answers/Get Help
– Diversity Resources
– Diversity Committee Blog
– News/Articles
– Rainbow Diversity Sourcebook
– Diversity Toolbox
– Resources/Guidelines
– Training on Demand Videos
– Webinars on Demand
– Spring Conferences
– Journcamp
– For Journalism
– Ted Scripps Leadership Institute
– Online Tips and Tutorials
– On-Site Training
– Sat, Nov 08, 2014: SPJ JournCamp: Miami [Training]
– Fri, Nov 14, 2014: Ted Scripps Leadership Institute: Columbus, Ohio [Training] [Leaders]
– Fri, Mar 20, 2015: Robert D.G. Lewis First Amendment Award Application Deadline [Awards] [Convention]
– Job Bank
– SPJ Freelancer Directory
– Internships, Fellowships and Scholarships
– Journalist's Toolbox
– SPJ Experts
– Freelancers
– Young Professionals
[Generation J]
– Students
– Educators
– International Journalists
The work of the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation depends on time, talent and financial support from those who support excellence and ethics in journalism. Our online giving process will only take a few moments. Please visit our donation page to support SPJ and the SDX Foundation.
Since its founding in 1961, the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation has promoted excellence and ethics in journalism. The SDX Foundation is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) organization that supports the educational programs of the Society of Professional Journalists and serves the professional needs of journalists and students pursuing careers in journalism.
– Home
– Board of Directors
– Donors Circle
– Give Monthly
– Planned Giving
– Memorial & Tribute Gifts
– Signature Programs
– Grants Information
– Documentation
Excellence in Journalism is the national journalism conference of the Society of Professional Journalists and the Radio Television Digital News Association. Join us in September in Nashville for training, networking, workshops and more!
– 2014 Recap
– 2013 Recap
– 2012 Recap
– 2011 Recap
– 2010 Recap
– 2009 Recap
– 2008 Recap
– 2007 Recap
– 2006 Recap
– National Contests
– Awards, Fellowships and Internships
– SPJ Honors: Public | Members
– National Chapter Awards
– Local/Regional Contests
– Mon, Dec 01, 2014: Fellows of the Society Award 2014 Nomination Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Fri, Jan 23, 2015: 2014 Mark of Excellence Awards Submission Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Fri, Feb 06, 2015: 2014 Sigma Delta Chi Awards Submission Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Fri, Feb 13, 2015: New America Award Submission Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Sat, Feb 28, 2015: High School Essay Contest Postmark Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Fri, Mar 20, 2015: Sunshine Award Nomination Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Fri, Mar 20, 2015: Historic Sites in Journalism Award Nomination Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Fri, Mar 20, 2015: Robert D.G. Lewis First Amendment Award Application Deadline [Awards] [Convention]
– Fri, Mar 20, 2015: Ethics in Journalism Award Nomination Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Fri, Mar 20, 2015: Distinguished Teaching in Journalism Award Nomination Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Fri, Apr 17, 2015: Regional Director of the Year Award Nomination Deadline [Awards]
– Fri, Apr 17, 2015: Wells Memorial Key Nomination Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Fri, Apr 17, 2015: Julie Galvan Outstanding Campus Member Award Nomination Deadline [Awards]
– Fri, Apr 17, 2015: David Eshelman Outstanding Campus Adviser Award Nomination Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Fri, Apr 17, 2015: Howard S. Dubin Outstanding Pro Member Award Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Fri, Apr 24, 2015: 2014 Sigma Delta Chi Awards Winners Announcement [SPJ Awards]
– Mon, Jun 22, 2015: Eugene S. Pulliam First Amendment Award Application Deadline [Awards]
– Mon, Jun 22, 2015: Eugene C. Pulliam Fellowship for Editorial Writing Application Deadline [Awards] [Fellowships]
– Fri, Jun 26, 2015: 2014 Sigma Delta Chi Awards Banquet [SPJ Awards]
– Spring Conferences
– Find FOI in Your State
– Start a Chapter in Your Area
– SPJ Leaders home
– Leading Edge Blog
– Scripps Leadership Institute
– Downloadable Resources
– Start a Chapter
– Annual Reports, Best Practices and more
– Member Directory Search
– Chapter Directory
– Prospective Members Report
– Members Not Renewing Report
The work of the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation depends on time, talent and financial support from those who support excellence and ethics in journalism. Our online giving process will only take a few moments. Please visit our donation page to support SPJ and the SDX Foundation.
– Contact SPJ Headquarters
– Employment Opportunities
– Advertise with SPJ
Have a question or working on a story and need a knowledgable SPJ and journalism-industry source? Try one of these SPJ experts first.
SPJ.org
– News
– Calendar
– Chapters
– SPJ Blogs Network
– Journalist's Toolbox
– Excellence in Journalism
About SPJ
– SDX Foundation
– SPJ Experts
– Headquarters Staff
– Board of Directors
– Legal Defense Fund
– Awards
– History and Timeline
– Donate
– Advertise
– Merchandise
Missions and Resources
– Journalism Training
– Freedom of Information
– Ethics
– Diversity
– Freelancers
– Students
– Educators
– International
– Generation J
SPJ Members
– Members Home
– Edit Profile
– Renew Membership
– Membership Directory
– Join SPJ
– Why Join?
Tip: Press the ESC key to instantly call up a feed containing all the newest SPJ news and updates to our social channels.
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.
We invite you to join us today!
– Join Online
– Benefits of an SPJ Membership
– Membership Fees
1. Join online
2. Download a form and join by mail or fax [PDF]
3. Request an application by mail
Membership expired? Renew in minutes today.
– How SPJ Works for You
– Discounted Services for Members
– Testimonials: Why I'm a Member
– Three Reasons to Join: Education, Support, Advocacy
– Membership Fees
– Join Now!
– FOI Resources
– FOI Committee Blog
– FOI FAQ: Pros | Students
– Shield Law
– News/Articles
– Find FOI Locally
– Ethics Resources
– SPJ Code of Ethics
– Ethics Committee Blog
– Committee Position Papers
– News/Articles
– Answers/Get Help
– Diversity Resources
– Diversity Committee Blog
– News/Articles
– Rainbow Diversity Sourcebook
– Diversity Toolbox
– Resources/Guidelines
– Training on Demand Videos
– Webinars on Demand
– Spring Conferences
– Journcamp
– For Journalism
– Ted Scripps Leadership Institute
– Online Tips and Tutorials
– On-Site Training
– Sat, Nov 08, 2014: SPJ JournCamp: Miami [Training]
– Fri, Nov 14, 2014: Ted Scripps Leadership Institute: Columbus, Ohio [Training] [Leaders]
– Fri, Mar 20, 2015: Robert D.G. Lewis First Amendment Award Application Deadline [Awards] [Convention]
– Job Bank
– SPJ Freelancer Directory
– Internships, Fellowships and Scholarships
– Journalist's Toolbox
– SPJ Experts
– Freelancers
– Young Professionals
[Generation J]
– Students
– Educators
– International Journalists
The work of the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation depends on time, talent and financial support from those who support excellence and ethics in journalism. Our online giving process will only take a few moments. Please visit our donation page to support SPJ and the SDX Foundation.
Since its founding in 1961, the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation has promoted excellence and ethics in journalism. The SDX Foundation is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) organization that supports the educational programs of the Society of Professional Journalists and serves the professional needs of journalists and students pursuing careers in journalism.
– Home
– Board of Directors
– Donors Circle
– Give Monthly
– Planned Giving
– Memorial & Tribute Gifts
– Signature Programs
– Grants Information
– Documentation
Excellence in Journalism is the national journalism conference of the Society of Professional Journalists and the Radio Television Digital News Association. Join us in September in Nashville for training, networking, workshops and more!
– 2014 Recap
– 2013 Recap
– 2012 Recap
– 2011 Recap
– 2010 Recap
– 2009 Recap
– 2008 Recap
– 2007 Recap
– 2006 Recap
– National Contests
– Awards, Fellowships and Internships
– SPJ Honors: Public | Members
– National Chapter Awards
– Local/Regional Contests
– Mon, Dec 01, 2014: Fellows of the Society Award 2014 Nomination Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Fri, Jan 23, 2015: 2014 Mark of Excellence Awards Submission Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Fri, Feb 06, 2015: 2014 Sigma Delta Chi Awards Submission Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Fri, Feb 13, 2015: New America Award Submission Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Sat, Feb 28, 2015: High School Essay Contest Postmark Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Fri, Mar 20, 2015: Sunshine Award Nomination Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Fri, Mar 20, 2015: Historic Sites in Journalism Award Nomination Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Fri, Mar 20, 2015: Robert D.G. Lewis First Amendment Award Application Deadline [Awards] [Convention]
– Fri, Mar 20, 2015: Ethics in Journalism Award Nomination Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Fri, Mar 20, 2015: Distinguished Teaching in Journalism Award Nomination Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Fri, Apr 17, 2015: Regional Director of the Year Award Nomination Deadline [Awards]
– Fri, Apr 17, 2015: Wells Memorial Key Nomination Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Fri, Apr 17, 2015: Julie Galvan Outstanding Campus Member Award Nomination Deadline [Awards]
– Fri, Apr 17, 2015: David Eshelman Outstanding Campus Adviser Award Nomination Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Fri, Apr 17, 2015: Howard S. Dubin Outstanding Pro Member Award Deadline [SPJ Awards]
– Fri, Apr 24, 2015: 2014 Sigma Delta Chi Awards Winners Announcement [SPJ Awards]
– Mon, Jun 22, 2015: Eugene S. Pulliam First Amendment Award Application Deadline [Awards]
– Mon, Jun 22, 2015: Eugene C. Pulliam Fellowship for Editorial Writing Application Deadline [Awards] [Fellowships]
– Fri, Jun 26, 2015: 2014 Sigma Delta Chi Awards Banquet [SPJ Awards]
– Spring Conferences
– Find FOI in Your State
– Start a Chapter in Your Area
– SPJ Leaders home
– Leading Edge Blog
– Scripps Leadership Institute
– Downloadable Resources
– Start a Chapter
– Annual Reports, Best Practices and more
– Member Directory Search
– Chapter Directory
– Prospective Members Report
– Members Not Renewing Report
The work of the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation depends on time, talent and financial support from those who support excellence and ethics in journalism. Our online giving process will only take a few moments. Please visit our donation page to support SPJ and the SDX Foundation.
– Contact SPJ Headquarters
– Employment Opportunities
– Advertise with SPJ
Have a question or working on a story and need a knowledgable SPJ and journalism-industry source? Try one of these SPJ experts first.
News and More
Click to Expand Instantly
Home > Ethics > Ethics Code Revision Project > Third Draft Guidelines
Ethics Code Revision Project
The Ethics Committee for the Society of Professional Journalists met the weekend of July 11-13 in Columbus, Ohio to put the finishing touches on a code that will be presented to delegates at the national convention in Nashville, Sept. 4-6.
As you make your way through the latest revision of the code, here are some guidelines that can help explain the significant changes over the current version.
Lets start with the most significant changes.
Living, interactive support for the code
This will represent the biggest change to the code without actually appearing in the code.
When the committee met in Columbus, the first question we wanted to answer was: What do we want this code to look like?
After reviewing some of the code options unveiled in the town hall meeting during SPJs convention in 2013, there was consensus that we should aim for a code that is vastly supported by a back room of current case studies, position papers, detailed explanations and an interactive component where journalists and the public could pose questions to the committee. These interactions and the answers would be archived, allowing the committee to create a database that would provide a wealth of ethical materials in support of the code.
All of this will sit on SPJs website under our growing ethics page and will be directly linked from the code. As people review the code, they can see there are supporting materials on other pages. The fundamental purpose of this is to establish a series of living documents that can support the language of the ethics code and give it purpose, value and vitality.
We consider this code an aspirational starting point that will stand the test of time and technology change. These links will be open to the public so that it indeed becomes a living place where people can ask questions about the code, and get opinions on its application as technology evolves.
Before the code reaches the convention, the committee will create some examples of the detailed explanations. For example, the code says to Use heightened sensitivity when dealing with children and inexperienced sources or subjects. We will explain in greater detail what we mean by that. The committee has already begun to identify more than two dozen footnotes for the code.
All media, all people reference
The preamble was greatly shortened through the rewriting and a significant notation was added that is relevant to understanding the tenor of this new document.
Members of the Society of Professional Journalists believe that democracy, a just society and good government require an informed public. Ethical journalism strives to ensure the free exchange of information that is accurate, fair and thorough. An ethical journalist acts with integrity.
The Society declares these four principles as the foundation of ethical journalism and encourages their use in its practice by all people in all media.
The code isnt filled with specific references to social or digital media or specific forms of emerging media such as entrepreneurial, point-of-view and citizen journalism. Instead, it is made clear that we hold these tenets to be applicable to all forms of journalism and the people who work within them, professional or otherwise. Thats an acknowledgement that journalism isnt practiced just in the traditional forms when the last code was presented in 1996.
Transparency
The idea of transparency makes a debut in this code. Although this code does not abdicate the principle of being independent of conflicts that may compromise integrity or damage credibility, it does note more strongly that when these conflicts cant be avoided, then it is imperative that journalists make every effort to be transparent about their actions. It acknowledges the importance of corrections, engaging the public in discourse over journalism issues and it tells journalists they should uphold the highest ethical standards in all engagements with the public.
Other changes of note
– Journalism replaces journalists. Again, giving nod to the idea that journalism is an endeavor that transcends that of the professional workers and encompasses many people and many forms, the idea of speaking to the act of journalism over the actors.
– The code inserts language that tells journalists that a legal right to publish is not the same as a moral obligation to do so. It attempts to separate the legal v. ethical arguments that arise often in ethical debates.
– The code not only encourages the verification of information from sources, but also other media. This was inserted to address the growing trend to repeat information without independent verification, even when that initial source is another news outlet.
– The code has always encouraged journalists to resist outside pressures to alter or direct news coverage. This code includes the need to resist internal pressures as well, which speaks to corporation boards and executives trying to exert pressure from the highest levels.
– It speaks to the components of speed or medium over accuracy, and notes that the neither of those two reasons excuses the lack of the effort in getting the information correct.
– It is important to gather information throughout the life of the story and to update and correct it, a growing concern due to online storytelling and social media use.
– It spells out more precisely the reasons for granting anonymity.
– It talks of providing access to resources used in the story and says all advocacy journalism and commentary should be labeled such to properly alert the reader.
– For the first time, the code speaks to the ethical handling of suicides when it happens to a public person or in a public place. The policy has been widely accepted by professional journalists, but this explains it to others, including the general public.
– The code brings a more hardline approach to checkbook journalism. Before, it merely said Avoid bidding for news. Now it says ... do not pay for access to news. Identify content provided by outside sources, whether paid or not.
Members of the SPJ Ethics Committee in Columbus, Ohio for the meeting
Kevin Z. Smith, chairman
Fred Brown, vice chairman
Members:
Irwin Gratz
Hagit Limor
Dr. Michael Farrell
Elizabeth Donald
Paul Fletcher
Lauren Bartlett
Andrew Seaman
Dr. Chris Roberts
Dr. Stephen Ward
Monica Guzman
Carole Feldman
SPJ Staff:
Joe Skeel, SPJ executive director