SPJ Code of Ethics
The SPJ Code of Ethics is voluntarily embraced by thousands of journalists, regardless of place or platform, and is widely used in newsrooms and classrooms as a guide for ethical behavior.
The code is intended not as a set of "rules" but as a resource for ethical decision-making. It is not — nor can it be under the First Amendment — legally enforceable.
- Seek Truth and Report It
Journalists should be honest, fair and courageous in gathering, reporting and interpreting information. - Minimize Harm
Ethical journalists treat sources, subjects and colleagues as human beings deserving of respect. - Act Independently
Journalists should be free of obligation to any interest other than the public's right to know. - Be Accountable
Journalists are accountable to their readers, listeners, viewers and each other.
The present version of the code was adopted by the 1996 SPJ National Convention, after months of study and debate among the Society’s members. 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 and 1996.