SPJ’s Code of Ethics (2014 version)
SPJ’s membership has voted to approve revisions to its Code of Ethics after the SPJ Board of Directors endorsed the changes Sept. 25. SPJ members approved the revisions, with 93% voting in favor in the 2026 election conducted during its national convention. Results were announced Oct. 4 during the closing membership meeting at SPJ26 in Columbus, Ohio, the Society announced in a statement issued the same day.
The revisions come as SPJ marks the 100th anniversary of its Code of Ethics, adopted in 1926. The latest changes mark the sixth revision to the Code, following updates in 1973, 1984, 1987, 1996 and 2014.
The updated Code provides journalists with guidance for navigating an increasingly complex media environment while preserving the four principles that have long anchored SPJ’s approach to journalism ethics: Seek Truth and Report It; Minimize Harm; Act Independently; and Be Accountable and Transparent.
The entire SPJ statement, with links to the updated code and key changes made since the last revisions were implemented in 2014, is below.
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