Society of Professional Journalists

Description

The Society of Professional Journalists is a membership organization for journalists in the United States, founded in 1909 as Sigma Delta Chi.

It champions journalists by recognizing outstanding work through national and local awards, and by educating members on skills, ethics and new innovations. It defends the First Amendment and press freedom, monitoring threats to a free press and offering journalists legal or financial help through a legal defense fund. It maintains a widely used code of ethics and runs an ethics hotline and response team to build public trust in the media.

The organization also prepares new generations of journalists through student and young professional programs, and supports a network of local chapters across the country. It provides training, thought leadership and resources aimed at a more sustainable future for journalism. A related body, the SPJ Foundation, founded in 1961, promotes excellence and ethics in journalism alongside it. Members can also connect through topic based communities nationwide.