In a powerful show of unity, a coalition of more than 50 organizations, including NENPA, that support press freedom issued a joint statement reaffirming the vital role of ethical journalism in a healthy democracy and calling on government leaders and the public to support the principles that guide the profession.Â
The statement comes as the Society of Professional Journalists launches Ethics Week 2025, April 14-18, 2025, a time to spotlight the values that form the backbone of responsible reporting: accuracy, fairness, independence and transparency. SPJ plans to send the statement to all members of Congress.Â
“At a time when misinformation spreads faster than facts, and government officials routinely attempt to delegitimize professional journalists, it’s more important than ever to stand up for ethical journalism,” said Emily Bloch, SPJ national president. “This coalition letter is a unified message: Journalism ethics aren’t a political weapon — they’re a public good.”Â
The statement warns of intensified efforts to discredit reporters, restrict access to information and retaliate against those who expose uncomfortable truths — tactics that erode trust and undermine the public’s right to know.Â
It also emphasizes that ethical journalism is nonpartisan and essential, not optional:Â
“Attempts to delegitimize responsible reporting do not diminish its value; instead, they underscore the importance of a resilient, independent press that remains steadfast in its pursuit of truth.”Â
The coalition urges citizens to critically evaluate the information they consume and support credible news sources. The coalition also calls on authorities to respect the role of a free press. “Citizens should hold government officials accountable for their treatment of journalists,” Bloch said.Â
SPJ’s Code of Ethics, considered a foundational document in U.S. journalism, serves as a guide for ethical decision-making among journalists across the country. Ethics Week offers an opportunity for journalists, educators and the public to engage with and recommit to those standards.
SPJ champions journalists by recognizing outstanding achievement, fighting to protect press freedom, promoting high ethical standards and educating new generations of emerging professionals. Support excellent journalism and fight for your right to know. Become a member and give to the Legal Defense Fund, First Amendment Forever Fund or SPJ Foundation. Â
The AP Fund for Journalism (APFJ) today announced its board of directors and a local newsroom pilot program in which it will work with nearly 50 nonprofit news organizations to support state and local news reporting.
The New England Newspaper & Press Association proudly congratulates all the winners of the 2024 Better Newspaper Competition! The awards were presented on March 29 in Portland, Maine, during a celebration of the region’s finest in journalism.
After another successful networking night in March, the monthly journalist meetup series continues in Boston this spring with three exciting events designed to help media professionals connect and collaborate in relaxed, social settings.
Four distinguished journalists were inducted into the New England Newspaper Hall of Fame during a celebratory dinner held on March 28 in Portland, Maine.
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The Journalism Education Foundation of New England (JEFNE) is now accepting applications for its 2025 scholarship program, including the prestigious MacGregor Fiske Award. The program aims to support aspiring journalists from New England as they pursue careers in the field.
Journalism Advisory Organizations Issue Rare Alert to Student News Outlets
A coalition of national student media advisory organizations has issued a rare alert to student journalists, revising long-standing guidance on journalistic practices in light of what it calls an “unprecedented” threat to the free exercise of student speech on campuses across the United States.
The alert recommends that student media organizations “revisit their policies on takedown requests and anonymous sources, particularly for those whose immigration status may make them targets for their lawful speech.” It also advises being transparent with sources and audiences about anonymous bylines and sourcing, and educating staff on these issues. The group of signatories — comprising the Associated Collegiate Press, Journalism Education Association, College Media Association, National Scholastic Press Association, Quill & Scroll, and the Student Press Law Center — acknowledged that the advice represents a departure from traditional journalistic norms.
“Many of our organizations have existed for a century or more, and we have never before issued this type of alert. We do not do so lightly now,” the coalition said in its alert, which was issued on April 4.
Read more at https://niemanreports.org/student-journalists-press-freedom-splc/