Statement from SPJ Ethics chair regarding journalists entering San Bernardino shooters’ apartment

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12/4/2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dec. 4, 2015

Contacts:
Andrew Seaman, SPJ Ethics Committee Chair, 570-483-8555, andrew.m.seaman@andrewseaman.com
Jennifer Royer, SPJ Communications Strategist, 317-361-4134, jroyer@spj.org

INDIANAPOLIS – The following statement may be attributed to Andrew Seaman, SPJ Ethics Committee chair, regarding journalists entering San Bernardino shooters’ apartment today after the landlord reportedly opened the door to the apartment, allowing journalists and others to enter.

“Journalists should feel free to investigate stories when and where possible. They need to minimize harm in their reporting, however. Walking into a building and live broadcasting the pictures, addresses and other identifying information of children or other people who may have no involvement in the story does not represent best and ethical practices.”

For more information, journalists should refer to SPJ’s Code of Ethics

Founded in 1909 as Sigma Delta Chi, SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to a well-informed citizenry; works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists; and protects First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press. For more information about SPJ, please visit spj.org.

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