Society of
Professional Journalists
Improving and
protecting journalism since 1909
Ethics
Code Words: SPJ’s Ethics Committee Blog
Ethics Committee
This committee's purpose is to encourage the use of the
Society's Code of Ethics, which promotes the highest professional standards for
journalists of all disciplines. Public concerns are often answered by this
committee. It also acts as a spotter for reporting trends in the nation,
accumulating case studies of jobs well done under trying circumstances.
Preamble
Members of the Society of Professional Journalists believe
that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of
democracy. 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 SPJ Code of Ethics is a statement of abiding principles
supported by additional explanations and position papers (
at spj.org) that address changing
journalistic practices. It is not a set of rules, rather a guide that
encourages all who engage in journalism to take responsibility for the
information they provide, regardless of medium. The code should be read as a
whole; individual principles should not be taken out of context. It is not, nor
can it be under the First Amendment, legally enforceable. For an expanded
explanation,
please follow this link.
Code of Ethics applications
Case
Studies Committee Position
Papers
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Seek Truth and Report
It
Ethical journalism should be accurate and fair. Journalists
should be honest and courageous in gathering, reporting and interpreting
information.
Journalists should:
– Take responsibility for the accuracy of their work. Verify
information before releasing it. Use original sources whenever possible.
– Remember that neither speed nor format excuses inaccuracy.
– Provide context. Take special care not to misrepresent or
oversimplify in promoting, previewing or summarizing a story.
– Gather, update and correct information throughout the life
of a news story.
– Be cautious when making promises, but keep the promises
they make.
– Identify sources clearly. The public is entitled to as
much information as possible to judge the reliability and motivations of
sources.
– Consider sources’ motives before promising anonymity.
Reserve anonymity for sources who may face danger, retribution or other harm,
and have information that cannot be obtained elsewhere. Explain why anonymity
was granted.
– Diligently seek subjects of news coverage to allow them to
respond to criticism or allegations of wrongdoing.
– Avoid undercover or other surreptitious methods of
gathering information unless traditional, open methods will not yield
information vital to the public.
– Be vigilant and courageous about holding those with power
accountable. Give voice to the voiceless.
– Support the open and civil exchange of views, even views
they find repugnant.
– Recognize a special obligation to serve as watchdogs over
public affairs and government. Seek to ensure that the public’s business is
conducted in the open, and that public records are open to all.
– Provide access to source material when it is relevant and
appropriate.
– Boldly tell the story of the diversity and magnitude of
the human experience. Seek sources whose voices we seldom hear.
– Avoid stereotyping. Journalists should examine the ways
their values and experiences may shape their reporting.
– Label advocacy and commentary.
– Never deliberately distort facts or context, including
visual information. Clearly label illustrations and re-enactments.
– Never plagiarize. Always attribute.
Minimize Harm
Ethical journalism
treats sources, subjects, colleagues and members of the public as human beings
deserving of respect.
Journalists should:
– Balance the public’s need for information against
potential harm or discomfort. Pursuit of the news is not a license for
arrogance or undue intrusiveness.
– Show compassion for those who may be affected by news
coverage. Use heightened sensitivity when dealing with juveniles, victims of
sex crimes, and sources or subjects who are inexperienced or unable to give
consent. Consider cultural differences in approach and treatment.
– Recognize that legal access to information differs from an
ethical justification to publish or broadcast.
– Realize that private people have a greater right to
control information about themselves than public figures and others who seek
power, influence or attention. Weigh the consequences of publishing or
broadcasting personal information.
– Avoid pandering to lurid curiosity, even if others do.
– Balance a suspect’s right to a fair trial with the
public’s right to know. Consider the implications of identifying criminal
suspects before they face legal charges.
– Consider the long-term implications of the extended reach
and permanence of publication. Provide updated and more complete information as
appropriate.
Act Independently
The highest and
primary obligation of ethical journalism is to serve the public.
Journalists should:
– Avoid conflicts of interest, real or perceived. Disclose
unavoidable conflicts.
– Refuse gifts, favors, fees, free travel and special
treatment, and avoid political and other outside activities that may compromise
integrity or impartiality, or may damage credibility.
– Be wary of sources offering information for favors or
money; do not pay for access to news. Identify content provided by outside
sources, whether paid or not.
– Deny favored treatment to advertisers, donors or any other
special interests, and resist internal and external pressure to influence
coverage.
– Distinguish news from advertising and shun hybrids that
blur the lines between the two. Prominently label sponsored content.
Be Accountable and
Transparent
Ethical journalism
means taking responsibility for one’s work and explaining one’s decisions to
the public.
Journalists should:
– Explain ethical choices and processes to audiences.
Encourage a civil dialogue with the public about journalistic practices,
coverage and news content.
– Respond quickly to questions about accuracy, clarity and
fairness.
– Acknowledge mistakes and correct them promptly and
prominently. Explain corrections and clarifications carefully and clearly.
– Expose unethical conduct in journalism, including within
their organizations.
– Abide by the same high standards they expect of others.
_________________________________________________
The SPJ Code of Ethics is a statement of abiding principles
supported by additional explanations and position papers (
at spj.org) that address changing
journalistic practices. It is not a set of rules, rather a guide that
encourages all who engage in journalism to take responsibility for the
information they provide, regardless of medium. The code should be read as a
whole; individual principles should not be taken out of context. It is not, nor
can it be under the First Amendment, legally enforceable.
Sigma Delta Chi's first Code of Ethics was borrowed from the
American Society of Newspaper Editors in 1926. In 1973, Sigma Delta Chi wrote
its own code, which was revised in 1984, 1987, 1996 and 2014.
In its recent newsletter, the Society of Professional Journalists
has taken the opportunity to remind us about the Oct. 1, 1910 bombing of the Los Angeles Times building. 
