The St. Louis Society of Professional Journalists has joined several pro chapters and more than 50 organizations to support press freedom and the vital role of ethical journalism in a healthy democracy.
The statement launched Monday as we begin Ethics Week 2025, an annual spotlight on the SPJ Code of Ethics and the important role that ethical journalism plays in the U.S. The Ethics Code, most recently revised in 2014, provides guidelines and support in areas of accuracy, fairness, independence and transparency.
Copies are being sent to all members of Congress. Signatories include six chapters of SPJ, including St. Louis; The American Society of Journalists and Authors, Education Writers Association, Journalism and Women Symposium, Authors Guild, Journalism Education Association, National Association of Black Journalists, Online News Association, Associated Collegiate Press, Reporters Without Borders, SAG-AFTRA, Student Press Law Center, National Press Club, Writers Guild of America East and many more.
“At a time when misinformation spreads faster than facts, and government officials routinely attempt to delegitimize professional journalists, it’s more important than ever to stand up for ethical journalism,” said Emily Bloch, SPJ national president. “This coalition letter is a unified message: Journalism ethics aren’t a political weapon — they’re a public good.”
The statement warns of the ongoing efforts to discredit reports and restrict access to information, in an increasingly powerful effort to erode the public’s trust in journalists and news organizations. As Bloch said, “Citizens should hold government officials accountable for their treatment of journalists.”
Ethics Week will also feature online seminars on misinformation and AI, awards for high ethical standards in reporting, and more. For more on Ethics Week, check out the SPJ Website. Ethical journalism is vital to public trust and democracy; use social media to prove it. Share why journalistic integrity matters to you during #SPJEthicsWeek! Let’s highlight the importance of truth and accountability in media.
The statement can be read in its entirety here.
SPJ Ethics Week 2025: Rod Hicks, SPJ Director of Ethics and Diversity
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