This collection of position papers, produced by the Society of Professional Journalists’ Ethics Committee, is intended to clarify SPJ’s position on specific ethical themes that frequently arise in journalism, and also to provide better guidance for journalists, academics, students and the public when consulting the SPJ Code of Ethics.

The following papers are available for immediate reference, with more — on using anonymous sources, undercover reporting, dealing with victims of tragedy, handling diversity coverage, privacy and news media accountability — to release over the coming months:

Newly Added:
— Reporting on Grief, Tragedy and Victims
— Anonymous Sources
— Accountability

Also Available:
— Using the SPJ Code
— Plagiarism
— Checkbook Journalism
— Political Involvement

For journalism instructors and others interested in presenting ethical dilemmas for debate and discussion, SPJ has a useful resource. We've been collecting a number of case studies for use in workshops. The Ethics AdviceLine operated by the Chicago Headline Club and Loyola University also has provided a number of examples. There seems to be no shortage of ethical issues in journalism these days. Please feel free to use these examples in your classes, speeches, columns, workshops or other modes of communication.

— Index
— Using the ‘Holocaust’ Metaphor
— Aaargh! Pirates! (and the Press)
— Reigning on the Parade
— Controversy over a Concert
— Deep Throat, and His Motive
— When Sources Won’t Talk
— A Suspect “Confession”
— Who’s the “Predator”?
— The Media’s Foul Ball
— Publishing Drunk Drivers’ Photos
— Naming Victims of Sex Crimes
— A Self-Serving Leak
— The Times and Jayson Blair
— Cooperating with the Government
— Offensive Images
— The Sting
— A Media-Savvy Killer
— A Congressman’s Past
— Crafting a Policy

The March/April 2013 issue of Quill is now online. Check out articles on the work-life balance, tips on doing data visualization and the 10 interview with Contently co-founder Shane Snow.

Stories include:

– From the President
– Drone Journalism: Is Resistance Futile?
– Ethics Case Studies
– Case Study: The Pirates and the Press
– Case Study: Naming Victims of Sex Crimes
– What's Your Personal Code of Ethics?
– Ten with Erin Polgreen
– Member Profile: Jason Parsley
– Letters to the Editor
– Obituary: James R. Yoder

To see all stories, follow this link.

– Staying Connected: Fostering Freelance Relationships
– On shame and shield law
– Not exactly a ‘writer’s retreat,’ but inspiring just the same
– On “fundamental” rights
– TVU: Trend or Sign of Broadcast Times
– Notes on the news, Twitter and public hunger for accuracy
– Collaboration vs. Competition: Reflections of the Boston Marathon bombings
– Students fighting public records blocks
– Interactive newspaper, anyone?
– Open government a casualty in Utah’s war on mug-shot websites

Visit the Network | RSS

A year’s worth of work by SPJ’s Freelance Committee debuted at Excellence In Journalism 2012 with the introduction of On Your Own: A Guide to Freelance Journalism, the committee’s first effort to consolidate the collected wisdom of its members.

The 77-page guide, available only in digital form, addresses a broad range of questions common among new and aspiring freelancers — from bookkeeping to business licenses to branding — and is free to download for all SPJ members.

Follow this link to get your copy. Not an SPJ member? Now you have yet another reason to be one.

Closely organized around the Society of Professional Journalists' code of ethics — the news industry's widely accepted "gold standard" of journalism principles — this updated edition uses real-life case studies to demonstrate how journalism students and professionals can identify and reason through ethical dilemmas. Stressing the cross-platform viability of basic ethical principles, this study features a wide selection of case studies penned by professional journalists — including several new additions — that offer examples of thoughtful, powerful, and principled reporting.

For more information about the book, and to order, click here.

Keep up with the latest happenings at SPJ. Updated as news breaks and available on the Web, in your e-mail inbox and through your RSS newsreader.

All the day's media news that's fit to print. Now updated all day long, seven days a week.

The SPJ's Journalist's Guide to the Geneva Conventions is online and read by people in more than 60 different countries. Use the alphabetical index to find out what the Conventions say about everything from access to grave sites to wounded prisoners of war. Read about the history of the Conventions, read the full texts, and more inside.