Honor the Past. Shape the Next Century. Support the SPJ Code of Ethics Centennial

Honor the Past. Shape the Next Century. Support the SPJ Code of Ethics Centennial image

A Stronger Code for a Stronger Democracy: Support the SPJ Code of Ethics Centennial

In 2026, the SPJ Code of Ethics turns 100 years old. For a century, it has guided journalists through moments of uncertainty, controversy and change – helping them earn public trust and uphold the principles of a free press.

Now, at a time when journalism faces unprecedented challenges, SPJ is undertaking its most comprehensive ethics update in a generation: the Centennial Edition of the SPJ Code of Ethics.

This process aims to modernize the Code to reflect today’s realities – including AI-generated content, misinformation, evolving newsroom roles and growing pressure on journalists’ credibility. The goal is not to rewrite history, but to ensure the Code remains relevant, accessible and useful for journalists, educators, students and the public in the decades ahead.

Your support will make this work possible. Funds raised will:

  • Build an online platform for public and professional input
  • Produce expanded guidance explaining how the Code applies in real-world situations
  • Publish "What We Heard" summaries to ensure transparency and accountability. The result will be more than a revised document. It will be a living ethical framework – one that strengthens journalism’s role in a healthy democracy.

Donations made are tax-deductible up to the full extent of the law from the Society of Professional Journalists Foundation EIN #: 36-6106287.

To give via check

Make payable to: Society of Professional Journalists Foundation

Mail to:

Society of Professional Journalists Foundation

P.O. Box 441748

Indianapolis, IN 46244