Andrew Seaman receives Wells Memorial Key, SPJ's highest honor

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9/29/2018

Contact:
Christine Cordial, Program Coordinator, (317) 920-4788, ccordial@spj.org
Isaac Taylor, Communications Coordinator, (317) 920-4785, itaylor@spj.org

BALTIMORE — Andrew Seaman has been awarded the Wells Memorial Key. Seaman received this award, the highest honor for a member of SPJ, at the President’s Installation Banquet tonight during the Excellence in Journalism conference in Baltimore, Maryland.

Seaman was appointed by Past President Dana Neuts to be SPJ’s Ethics Committee Chair in 2014. Since his appointment, “Andrew has risen to the challenge, not only reacting and responding whenever needed but he has proactively and preemptively spoken out on many important ethical issues,” cosigners wrote in a nomination letter.

Seaman has served the Society in a number of capacities: as a Diversity Fellow, a board member, a Quill contributor and committee chair.

Without hesitation or complaint, he has answered questions from members and journalists about various ethical dilemmas and concerns. His work has played a vital role in ensuring that SPJ remains a shining pillar of the ethical standards that other news outlets and organizations can look to as an example.

As Ethics Committee chair, he has spearheaded translations and revisions to the Code of Ethics. His Code Words blog has allowed members and industry colleagues to pause, reflect and consider the ethical implications of journalistic developments and relations between government and the fourth estate.

“He is one of the most reliable people I have ever worked with,” Lynn Walsh, SPJ past president, said. “He is constantly available, timely with projects and just fun to work with. Andrew has a way of getting serious points across by adding in a bit of wit.”

Named after Sigma Delta Chi’s second national president, Chester C. Wells, the Wells Memorial Key was first awarded in 1913. Each year, it is given to a member who has performed outstanding service to the Society in the preceding year or through a period of years.

SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to informing citizens; works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists; and fights to protect First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press. Support excellent journalism and fight for your right to know. Become a member, give to the Legal Defense Fund, or give to the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation.

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