Phoenix’s premier journalism association since 1958

Find out about all upcoming events and activities for Phoenix-area journalists from the Phoenix SPJ blog, here.

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.

RECORDING OF “STATE OF ARIZONA MEDIA” NOW AVAILABLE! Missed our insightful Zoom presentation, “The State of Arizona Media”? We recorded it! On Wednesday, March 8, Chris Kline, president and CEO of the Arizona Broadcasters Association, shared his insights on how Arizona consumes media, the result of hundreds of interviews with Arizonans. To download the recording and/or a copy of his accompanying PowerPoint slides, click here.

RECORDING OF “NOW WHAT?” PANEL DISCUSSION NOW AVAILABLE!: Missed our lively Dec. 6 Zoom panel of local journalists who covered the 2022 midterms look back and ahead, presented by Valley of the Sun SPJ? We recorded it! Hear panelists Stacey Barchenger of The Arizona Republic/azcentral, Jessica Boehm of Axios Phoenix and Jen Fifield of Votebeat, with moderator Rachel Leingang of Arizona Agenda the Arizona Press Club’s 2021 Virg Hill Arizona Journalist of the Year.

Here’s the link. Once you’re in, use this passcode: 8+$=UN5X

Photo illustration by Element 5 Digital / Unsplash

The 18th annual Valley Publicity Summit is now history, but not before benefiting dozens of public relations and media professionals eager to connect, reconnect and talk story pitching preferences at the Oct. 15, 2022, Summit. The tentative date for the 19th annual Summit is Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, at Barrett, the Honors College, Arizona State University. Stay tuned to this site for details.

The Valley of the Sun chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists is grateful to Barrett, the Honors College, at Arizona State University, for being our gracious hosts in 2022 for the sixth year.

Deepest appreciation goes to our event sponsors, the Phoenix chapter of the Public Relations Society of America and Lambert, for their highly valued support in 2022.

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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 10,000 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 60th anniversary in 2018. 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.

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.

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