NEW YORK – If you step into a newsroom, you might notice something pinned to the bulletin board near the coffee pot: the Society of Professional Journalists’ (SPJ) Code of Ethics. It’s a concise document, less than a thousand words, but its significance is monumental.
Dan Axelrod, the chairman of the SPJ Ethics Committee, emphasizes its importance, suggesting that it could be crucial for protecting democracy. “This is the way to protect democracy. This is to protect society,” he states. “There but for the grace of God goes a society without journalists.”
Updating this code isn’t a simple task. It takes about a year of meetings and feedback, both online and in person. With the media landscape constantly evolving and new technologies emerging, the SPJ has decided it’s time to revise the code for the first time in 12 years. This marks only the sixth update in the code’s over century-long history.
A Serious Update Process
In June, media ethics experts gathered in Indianapolis for a serious conclave to discuss the updates. Axelrod mentions, “Passions definitely got heated,” while his colleague Chris Roberts humorously adds, “Well, there were no fistfights.” After extensive discussions, a new draft emerged, expanding the code to 967 words—73 words longer than the previous version.
So, why the need for an update? One of the biggest reasons is the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in journalism. Roberts explains, “We were thinking about artificial intelligence and how it’s used and sometimes misused by news organizations.”
Addressing New Challenges
The SPJ is also recognizing the growing number of independent “creator journalists.” They believe these journalists, too, need ethical guidelines. With many journalists working outside traditional news organizations, the need for a universal code of ethics becomes even more critical.
Roberts notes, “We’re talking about a world that does not trust us as much as they did.” This lack of public trust is an existential challenge for journalism, especially as some politicians attack the media for holding them accountable.
Four Core Principles Remain
The SPJ, founded in 1909, has a history of revising its code. The four fundamental principles remain unchanged: “Seek Truth and Report It,” “Minimize Harm,” “Act Independently,” and “Be Accountable and Transparent.”
However, the context has evolved drastically. A Pew study indicates that one-third of journalists are now freelancers or self-employed, which represents a significant shift in the industry’s landscape.
The updated code aims to address various ethical dilemmas posed by modern technology, stating, “Remember that speed, technology, or medium do not excuse inaccuracy or unfairness.” This means journalists are still responsible for their work, regardless of the tools they use.
Revised Language for Inclusivity
One significant change in the draft is a new line emphasizing accountability: “Be vigilant and courageous about holding those with power accountable. Counter the unfair marginalization of those with less power.” This replaces the earlier phrase “Give voice to the voiceless,” which was criticized for suggesting that some groups lack a voice.
Committee member Eric Deggans explains that the new wording acknowledges that marginalized groups do have voices; they just need more attention in the news. Journalists are encouraged to include these perspectives to enhance the accuracy of their reporting.
Looking Ahead
As the industry continues to evolve, questions arise about whether one code can fit all journalists. Chris Vaccaro, the current SPJ President, believes it’s crucial to maintain a standard that adapts to changing definitions of journalism. He asserts, “It does matter.”
Deggans emphasizes the importance of the SPJ code, not only for training new journalists but also for those operating in challenging environments or under authoritarian regimes. He hopes more journalists and media owners will familiarize themselves with the code to uphold ethical standards in journalism.
