SPJ Code of Ethics
Preamble
Members of the Society of Professi onal Journalists believe that public enlightenment is
the forerunner of justice and the fou ndation of democracy. The duty o f the journalist is
to further those ends by seeking tr uth and providing a fair and compre hensive account
of events and issues. Conscientiou s journalists from all media and sp ecialties strive to
serve the public with thoroughnes s and honesty. Professional integri ty is the
cornerstone of a journalist's credib ility. Members of the Society share a dedication to
ethical behavior and adopt this cod e to declare the Society's principle s and standards
of practice.
Seek Truth and Report It
Journalists should be honest, fair and courageous in gathering, reporting and interpreting information.
Journalists should:
• Test the accuracy of information from all sources and exercise care to avoid inadvertent error.
Deliberate distortion is never permissible.
• Diligently seek out subjects of news stories to give them the opportunity to respond to
allegations of wrongdoing.
• Identify sources whenever feasible. The public is entitled to as much information as possible on
sources' reliability.
• Always question sources’ motives before promising anonymity. Clarify conditions attached to any
promise made in exchange for information. Keep promises.
• Make certain that headlines, news teases and promotional material, photos, video, audio,
graphics, sound bites and quotations do not misrepresent. They should not oversimplify or
highlight incidents out of context.
• Never distort the content of news photos or video. Image enhancement for technical clarity is
always permissible. Label montages and photo illustrations.
• Avoid misleading re-enactments or staged news events. If re-enactm ent is necessary to tell a
story, label it.
• Avoid undercover or other surreptitious methods of gathering information except when traditional
open methods will not yield information vital to the public. Use of such methods should be
explained as part of the story
• Never plagiarize.
• Tell the story of the diversity and m agnitude of the human experience boldly, even when it is
unpopular to do so.
• Examine their own cultural values and avoid imposing those values on others.
• Avoid stereotyping by race, gender, age, religion, ethnicity, geography, sexual orientation,
disability, physical appearance or social status.
• Support the open exchange of views, even views they find repugnant.
• Give voice to the voiceless; official and unofficial sources of information can be equally valid.
• Distinguish between advocacy and news reporting. Analysis and commentary should be labeled
and not misrepresent fact or context.
• Distinguish news from advertising and shun hybrids that blur the lines between the two.
• Recognize a special obligation to ensure that the public's business is conducted in the open and
that government records are open to inspection.
Minimize Harm
Ethical journalists treat sources, subjects and colleagues as human beings deserving of respect.
Journalists should:
• Show compassion for those who may be affected adversely by news coverage. Use special
sensitivity when dealing with children and inexperienced sources or subjects.
• Be sensitive when seeking or using interviews or photographs of those affected by tragedy or
