Official documentation
SPJ Code of Ethics
Society of Professional Journalists, Society of Professional Journalists, n.d.
Read the originalRead on October 16, 2026
- What it is
- The code of ethics of the Society of Professional Journalists, the largest US membership body for journalists. Its first principle, Seek Truth and Report It, lists the verification and sourcing duties used here.
- How much weight it carries
- The professional body's own text, read from a PDF copy hosted by the University of Notre Dame student media because the society's website blocked automated reading. The code is a guide, not a legal rulebook, and it has no year on the copy we read.
Facts taken from this source
- The Society of Professional Journalists tells journalists to consider sources' motives before promising anonymity.
“Consider sources' motives before promising anonymity.” (Seek Truth and Report It (Minimize Harm))
- The Society of Professional Journalists says that neither speed nor format excuses inaccuracy.
“Remember that neither speed nor format excuses inaccuracy.” (Seek Truth and Report It)
- The Society of Professional Journalists tells journalists to take responsibility for the accuracy of their work and to verify information before releasing it.
“Take responsibility for the accuracy of their work. Verify information before releasing it.” (Seek Truth and Report It)