Find out about our SPJ chapter’s upcoming events and activities for Phoenix-area journalists from the Phoenix SPJ blog, here. Keep up on what SPJ is doing for journalists and journalism by subscribing to our chapter newsletter below:
WELCOME TO THE VALLEY OF THE SUN CHAPTER of the Society of Professional Journalists, Phoenix’s premier journalism association since 1958. SPJ is where journalists gather to fight for First Amendment freedoms and work to improve and protect the journalism profession through promoting ethical, responsible journalism and upholding the right of access to government through public records and open meetings. SPJ offers several continuing education opportunities to help journalists be more effective in their work. Arizona journalists: Find out about all the benefits of SPJ membership and join us today. Questions? Write us: phxspj@gmail.com.
SAVE THE DATE, Oct. 19, 2024, as the greatest Saturday morning in Valley media-PR relations marks its 20th anniversary: the Valley Publicity Summit! This landmark occasion brings landmark news: The Summit is moving to Scottsdale Executive Office Park, home of our hosts, 10to1 Public Relations. More details are upcoming. But make plans today to be there!
THE FIRST AMENDMENT COALITION HOTLINE IS BACK! The statewide media coalition, which your Valley of the Sun SPJ chapter helped found back in 1981, once again has made an attorney available to give limited free advice about access to government to Arizona professional and student journalists. Ask attorney Peter Limperis –– of the Tucson law firm of Miller, Pitt, Feldman and McAnally, P.C. — your questions about getting copies of public records, access to public meetings, courtrooms and other public hearing rooms with cameras, microphones, smartphones and other electronic devices. We’re also in the process of reactivating the FAC website, but as of today, you can contact Limperis at plimperis@mpfmlaw.com, or call (520) 792-3836.
OUR NEXT EVENT: Join us and The Arizona Chapter of PEN America May 25 at The Poisoned Pen Bookstore in Scottsdale. We will present five Arizona journalists who wrote and published books who will tell us how they did it! Get details here.
WE’RE AN AWARD-WINNING CHAPTER: The national Society of Professional Journalists presented the Valley of the Sun chapter with the 2023 Circle of Excellence Award for Professional Development, Small Chapters, at the recent SPJ National Convention in Las Vegas. SPJ cited the annual Valley Publicity Summit as one of the programs responsible for our chapter’s earning the award. More here.
Stock photo by artbybigvee on Pixabay
WHO WE ARE: The Society of Professional Journalists is the nation’s most broad-based journalism organization, dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and stimulating high standards of ethical behavior. Founded in 1909 as Sigma Delta Chi, SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to a well-informed citizenry through the daily work of its nearly 5,000 members; works to inspire and educate current and future journalists through professional development; and protects First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press through its advocacy efforts.
Established in 1958, the Valley of the Sun chapter of SPJ celebrated its 65th anniversary in 2023. The chapter regularly sponsors journalism activities and events and social, educational, and service activities for professional and student journalists at daily and community newspapers, magazines, broadcast outlets, journalism web sites and media blogs, as well as editors, writers, freelancers, producers, publishers, and public relations professionals living and working in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Write to us at phxspj@gmail.com.
Our organization’s award-winning programs include:
- Journalism training – We connect our members with dozens of professional development and training sessions covering FOIA requests, journalism ethics, media pitches, etc.
- Journalism awards – We host an annual banquet that recognizes excellence in journalism and honors local media with journalism awards.
- Journalism networking – We provide ample opportunities to network with other journalists and freelance writers via happy hours and other social events.
- Journalism scholarships – Student journalists can apply for reporting scholarships to pay for journalism training and education at the collegiate level.
© 2024 Society of Professional Journalists. All rights reserved.
Society of Professional Journalists - Valley of the Sun chapter - Phoenix, Arizona 