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{{redirect|Sigma Delta Chi|the sorority|Sigma Delta Chi (sorority)}}
{{Infobox Organization
{{Infobox Organization
|name = Society of Professional Journalists
|name = Society of Professional Journalists
|image = Society of Professional Journalists logo.jpg
|image = Society of Professional Journalists logo.jpg
|size = 100px
|size = 100px
|caption = Logo, Society of Professional Journalists
|motto =
|formation = 1909
|formation = 1909
|type =
|headquarters = 3909 N. [[Meridian Street (Indianapolis)|Meridian Street]], Indianapolis, Indiana
|headquarters = 3909 N. [[Meridian Street (Indianapolis)|Meridian Street]], Indianapolis, Indiana
|location =
|membership =
|language = [[English (language)|English]]
|leader_title = President
|leader_title = President
|leader_name = Dana Neuts
|leader_name = Dana Neuts <ref>http://www.spj.org/spjboard.asp</ref>
|key_people = Paul Fletcher - President Elect
|key_people = Paul Fletcher - President Elect
|website = http://www.spj.org
|num_staff =
|budget =
|website = http://spj.org
}}
}}
The '''Society of Professional Journalists''' ('''SPJ'''), formerly known as '''Sigma Delta Chi''', is one of the oldest organizations representing [[journalist]]s in the [[United States]]. It was established in April 1909 at [[DePauw University]],<ref>{{cite book| url=http://books.google.com/books?id=B5OfAAAAMAAJ| title=The Sigma Delta Chi Story (1909-1949)| author=Glenn, William Meharry| year=1949| accessdate=August 21, 2010}}</ref><ref name="09annual">2009 SPJ Annual Report, letter from the presidents</ref> and its charter was designed by [[William Meharry Glenn]].<ref>{{cite web| url=http://indianajournalismhof.org/1985/01/william-meharry-glenn/| title=William Meharry Glenn| publisher=Indiana Journalism Hall of Fame| accessdate=August 21, 2010}}</ref> The ten founding members of Sigma Delta Chi included [[Gilbert C. Clippinger]], [[Charles A. Fisher]], William M. Glenn, [[Marion H. Hedges]], [[L. Aldis Hutchens]], [[Edward H. Lockwood]], [[LeRoy H. Millikan]], [[Eugene C. Pulliam]], [[Paul M. Riddick]], and [[Lawrence H. Sloan]].<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.depauw.edu/news/index.asp?id=16880| title=Sigma Delta Chi, Honorary Journalism Fraternity, Founded at DePauw| publisher=DePauw University| accessdate=August 21, 2010}}</ref>
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 8,000 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.


==Overview==
[[File:TigerWoods at AT&T National 2012.jpg|thumbnail|left|The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) presented [[Voice of America]]'s Bill Workinger the prestigious Dateline Award for local journalism at a ceremony at the [[National Press Club]] on June 11, 2013. The photo depicts [[Tiger Woods]] winning the 2012 AT&T National. ]]
The stated mission of the SPJ is to promote and defend the [[First Amendment to the United States Constitution|First Amendment]] guarantees of [[freedom of speech]] and [[freedom of the press]]; encourage high standards and ethical behavior in the practice of [[journalism]]; and promote and support [[Multiculturalism|diversity]] in journalism.<ref name="mission">[http://www.spj.org/mission.asp Society of Professional Journalists - "Our Mission"]</ref>


SPJ has nearly 300 chapters across the United States that bring educational programming to local areas and offer regular contact with other media professionals. Its membership base is more than 9,000 members of the media.
'''OVERVIEW'''


SPJ initiatives include a Legal Defense Fund that wages court battles to secure First Amendment rights; the Project Sunshine campaign, to improve the ability of journalists and the public to obtain [[Freedom of information legislation|access to government records]]; the magazine ''Quill''; and the annual [[Sigma Delta Chi Award]]s, which honour excellence in journalism.
'''Quick Facts'''


It has also drawn up a [[Code of ethics in media|Code of Ethics]] that aims to inspire journalists to adhere to high standards of behavior and decision-making while performing their work.
— Founded: 1909 as Sigma Delta Chi fraternity


The organization helped foster the creation of the ''[[American Reporter]]'', the first electronic internet-only newspaper.
— Location: Eugene S. Pulliam National Journalism Center, 3909 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis


Its president of the SPJ in 2008-09 was Dave Aeikens.<ref name="09annual"/> From 1939 to 1940, the president was the [[university professor]] [[Elmo Scott Watson]], then at [[Northwestern University]] in [[Evanston, Illinois]]. Watson was particularly known for his work on the history of the [[American West]].<ref>Frank H. Maynard, ''Cowboy's Lament: A Life on the Open Range'' ([[Lubbock, Texas]]: [[Texas Tech University Press]], 2010), p. 29, ISBN 978-0-89672-705-2</ref>
— Purpose: To Improve & Protect Journalism


==Budget==
— Membership: About 8,000 members nationwide
In 2009, The Society of Professional Journalists had revenue of $1.4 million. It spent $1.6 million.<ref name="2009 SPJ annual report, page 10">2009 SPJ annual report, page 10</ref>
The same year, the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation had a revenue of 934,731 and expenditures of $766,690.<ref name="2009 SPJ annual report, page 10"/>


Sigma Delta Chi received $312,500 in grants in 2009.<ref>2009 SPJ annual report, page 6</ref>
— Operating budget: $1.7 million annually


==Recent Activity==


On August 25, 2014, The Society of Professional Journalists had awarded nine of its professional chapters with the Circle of Excellence, a collection of awards that recognizes outstanding work in five areas: First Amendment/freedom of information, professional development, chapter communications, diversity and campus relations. In a sign that the organization is adapting to the ever changing social media world, one award stood out. The East Tennessee Society of Professional Journalists won the coveted award for communication by creating an emergency internet #hashtag system.<br />
'''Mission'''
The program works when during hazardous weather all news stations, government organizations, and citizens of the community tweet out emergency and non emergency pictures and information using the hashtag #knoxwx. Thus streamlining information on social media.<ref>http://www.spj.org/news.asp?ref=1273</ref> The program was originated by Dan Andrews of the Knoxville Focus <ref>http://etspj.org/new-universal-hashtag-for-local-news/</ref><br />
On 08/16/2014 SPJ President Dana Neuts formally announced the creation of a blog.<ref>http://blogs.spjnetwork.org/president/2014/09/15/last-weeks-highlights/</ref> This is significant because for many years the society did not recognize blogs as SPJ worthy.


== References ==
The Society of Professional Journalists is dedicated to the perpetuation of a free press as the cornerstone of our nation and our liberty.
{{reflist}}


==External links==
To ensure that the concept of self-government outlined by the United States Constitution remains a reality into future centuries, the American people must be well-informed in order to make decisions regarding their lives and their local and national communities. It is the role of journalists to provide this information in an accurate, comprehensive, timely, and understandable manner.
* [http://www.spj.org Society of Professional Journalists]
* [http://www.deadlineclub.org/ Deadline Club (New York chapter of SPJ)]
* [http://www.ctspj.org/ Connecticut Society of Professional Journalists]
* [http://www.cnjo.org Council of National Journalism Organizations]
* [http://www.asaecenter.org/PublicationsResources/EURelated.cfm?ItemNumber=11607 "Fast Facts" on SPJ]
* [http://www.spj.org/ethics_code.asp Code of Ethics]


{{DePauw University}}
It is the mission of the Society of Professional Journalists:


[[Category:Journalism-related professional associations]]
— To encourage a climate in which journalism can be practiced freely and fully
[[Category:Organizations established in 1909]]

[[Category:1909 establishments in the United States]]
— To promote this flow of information
[[Category:DePauw University]]

— To stimulate high standards and ethical behavior in the practice of journalism

— To foster excellence and to encourage diversity among journalists

— To inspire successive generations of talented individuals to become dedicated journalists

— Finally, the Society must maintain constant vigilance in protection of First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and of the press


'''History'''

Founded: SPJ was founded in 1909 at DePauw University in Greencastle, Ind., as a journalistic fraternity known as Sigma Delta Chi. In 1988, the organization officially changed its name to the Society of Professional Journalists.

Membership: SPJ is a professional organization that includes broadcast, print and online journalists, journalism educators , and students interested in journalism as a career.

Tax-exempt status: The Society is a not-for-profit organization exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)6 of the Internal Revenue Code.

Publications: Quill magazine: Quill, published 10 times a year, presents insights on the long-term impact of news industry developments and documents controversies regarding press freedoms. The magazine also includes news about SPJ.

Freedom of Information alerts: SPJ sends alerts about important state and national legal decisions and court cases. Members receive electronic notification.

PressNotes: Daily electronic summary provides news about the media.

Diversity Sourcebook: SPJ is developing a database to link reporters with diverse and non-traditional sources around the country. It will be available through the Web site at www.spj.org.


'''Programs'''

The Society of Professional Journalists is dedicated to quality, responsible journalism as the foundation of a free and informed society. On individual and industry levels, SPJ seeks to Improve & Protect Journalism through a variety of programs and projects:


'''Freedom of Information'''

— The Society of Professional Journalists leads the media in the areas of Freedom of Information and open records with projects aimed at maximizing access for all journalists. SPJ presents an annual report on FOI in Quill magazine and presents regular reports on FOI topics making news.

— The Society’s legal counsel tracks administrative, legislative, and judicial developments and makes SPJ’s voice heard through court filings and petitions on behalf of journalists who have been shut out of hearings, denied access to information, or forced by courts to turn over notes and research.


'''Legal Defense Fund'''

— The Legal Defense Fund is a unique account to help journalists involved in access and shield-law cases.

— Awards from the fund provide journalists with legal or direct financial assistance.

— The fund is supported through contributions and an ongoing fund-raising campaign.


'''Project Sunshine'''

— SPJ’s 50-state, grassroots Sunshine Network identifies threats to public access and government and organizes efforts to resist those threats.

— The program focuses the attention of all SPJ chapters and leaders on Freedom of Information issues at the local, chapter, and state levels.

— Last year, state coordinators prepared a database of state access policies for journalists seeking interviews with prison inmates.


'''Responsible journalism'''

— SPJ works to ensure that journalists perform their work while adhering to the highest standards of behavior and decision-making.

— The first Code of Ethics was adopted in 1926. The code is embraced by thousands of writers, editors, and other news professionals. It instructs journalists to seek truth and report it, minimize harm, act independently, and be accountable. SPJ’s goal is not to provide all of the answers or settle all of the disputes but to teach journalists how to make clear, defensible decisions.

— From the code, SPJ has developed important programs including conferences, an awards program, and an issue of Quill magazine focusing on ethics to assist journalists in enhancing their ability to identify ethical issues and dilemmas.


'''Member network'''

— More than 250 chapters nationwide bring educational programming to local areas and offer regular contact with other professionals.

— Members have a wide background including print, broadcast, and online journalism and trade publications.


'''National convention'''

— The annual event offers more than 50 educational sessions designed to teach new skills, refine techniques, and reach other professionals with common interests and concerns.

— Every year, the gathering rotates to a new location where journalists can connect, learn, and relax.

— The national convention is SPJ’s largest program.


'''Workshops and seminars'''

— National and regional conferences cover writing, reporting, and editing as well as broader topics of ethics and Freedom of Information.
— Programs are scheduled throughout the country, making them convenient to members.


'''Awards programs'''

— SPJ promotes excellence in journalism through its Sigma Delta Chi awards for professional journalists in print, broadcast, online, and research journalism. The Mark of Excellence awards program honors the outstanding work of student journalists.

— A $75,000 Pulliam Editorial Writing Fellowship allows one editorial writer to take a year to study a topic of choice.

— The Pulliam/Kilgore Freedom of Information Internship program annually offers two students the opportunity to study, research, and write about FOI issues. The program is funded through a grant from SPJ’s educational arm, the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation.


'''Committees'''

The work of SPJ is largely done at the national committee level. No matter what your passion — freedom of information, diversity, ethics, freelance, international journalism, First Amendment rights, journalism education — SPJ has an outlet for your talents, passion and energy.


'''Chapters'''

SPJ's chapters are the backbone of the Society. Our local connection enables SPJ members to engage in a high level of journalism right in your own community. No matter where your career takes you — from journalism school to the first newsroom and beyond — SPJ is there to help you network in your local community; obtain valuable training from industry experts on the local, regional and national level; mentor young and upcoming journalists; and engage with other journalists nationwide on topics that are the foundation of our Democratic society — Freedom of Information and First Amendment rights. SPJ is empowered to fight for the protection of all journalists through the strong leadership and participation of its nearly 250 local chapters.


'''Board of Directors'''

President: Dana Neuts

President-Elect: Paul Fletcher

Secretary-Treasurer: Lynn Walsh

Immediate Past President: David Cuillier

Vice President, Campus Chapter Affairs: Sue Kopen Katcef

Directors At-Large: Bill McCloskey and J. Alex Tarquinio

Campus Representatives: Jordan Gass-Poore and Brett Hall
Campus Advisers At-Large: Mike Reilley and Becky Tallent, Ed.D.

Region 1 Director: Rebecca Baker

Region 2 Director: Andy Schotz

Region 3 Director: Michael Koretzky

Region 4 Director: Patricia Gallagher Newberry

Region 5 Director: Deborah Givens

Region 6 Director: Joseph Radske

Region 7 Director: Rob McLean

Region 8 Director: Eddye Gallagher

Region 9 Director: Tom Johnson

Region 10 Director: Pia Hallenberg

Region 11 Director: Matthew T. Hall

Region 12 Director: Tony Hernandez


'''Headquarters Staff'''

Executive Director: Joe Skeel

Associate Executive Director: Chris Vachon

Director of Events: Heather Dunn

Director of Membership: Linda Hall

Director of Education: Scott Leadingham

Creative Director: Tony Peterson

Communications Strategist: Jennifer Royer

Communications Coordinator: Taylor Carlier

Chapter Coordinator: Tara Puckey

Awards Coordinator: Abbi Martzall

Web Administrator: Billy O'Keefe

Bookkeeper: Sarah Beck

Controller: Jake Koenig

<ref>WWW.SPJ.ORG</ref>

Revision as of 04:36, 30 October 2014

"Sigma Delta Chi" redirects here. For the sorority, see Sigma Delta Chi (sorority).
Society of Professional Journalists
Formation1909
Headquarters3909 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, Indiana
Official language
English
President
Dana Neuts [1]
Key people
Paul Fletcher - President Elect
Websitehttp://spj.org

The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), formerly known as Sigma Delta Chi, is one of the oldest organizations representing journalists in the United States. It was established in April 1909 at DePauw University,[2][3] and its charter was designed by William Meharry Glenn.[4] The ten founding members of Sigma Delta Chi included Gilbert C. Clippinger, Charles A. Fisher, William M. Glenn, Marion H. Hedges, L. Aldis Hutchens, Edward H. Lockwood, LeRoy H. Millikan, Eugene C. Pulliam, Paul M. Riddick, and Lawrence H. Sloan.[5]

Overview

The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) presented Voice of America's Bill Workinger the prestigious Dateline Award for local journalism at a ceremony at the National Press Club on June 11, 2013. The photo depicts Tiger Woods winning the 2012 AT&T National.

The stated mission of the SPJ is to promote and defend the First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and freedom of the press; encourage high standards and ethical behavior in the practice of journalism; and promote and support diversity in journalism.[6]

SPJ has nearly 300 chapters across the United States that bring educational programming to local areas and offer regular contact with other media professionals. Its membership base is more than 9,000 members of the media.

SPJ initiatives include a Legal Defense Fund that wages court battles to secure First Amendment rights; the Project Sunshine campaign, to improve the ability of journalists and the public to obtain access to government records; the magazine Quill; and the annual Sigma Delta Chi Awards, which honour excellence in journalism.

It has also drawn up a Code of Ethics that aims to inspire journalists to adhere to high standards of behavior and decision-making while performing their work.

The organization helped foster the creation of the American Reporter, the first electronic internet-only newspaper.

Its president of the SPJ in 2008-09 was Dave Aeikens.[3] From 1939 to 1940, the president was the university professor Elmo Scott Watson, then at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. Watson was particularly known for his work on the history of the American West.[7]

Budget

In 2009, The Society of Professional Journalists had revenue of $1.4 million. It spent $1.6 million.[8] The same year, the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation had a revenue of 934,731 and expenditures of $766,690.[8]

Sigma Delta Chi received $312,500 in grants in 2009.[9]

Recent Activity

On August 25, 2014, The Society of Professional Journalists had awarded nine of its professional chapters with the Circle of Excellence, a collection of awards that recognizes outstanding work in five areas: First Amendment/freedom of information, professional development, chapter communications, diversity and campus relations. In a sign that the organization is adapting to the ever changing social media world, one award stood out. The East Tennessee Society of Professional Journalists won the coveted award for communication by creating an emergency internet #hashtag system.
The program works when during hazardous weather all news stations, government organizations, and citizens of the community tweet out emergency and non emergency pictures and information using the hashtag #knoxwx. Thus streamlining information on social media.[10] The program was originated by Dan Andrews of the Knoxville Focus [11]
On 08/16/2014 SPJ President Dana Neuts formally announced the creation of a blog.[12] This is significant because for many years the society did not recognize blogs as SPJ worthy.

References

  1. ^ http://www.spj.org/spjboard.asp
  2. ^ Glenn, William Meharry (1949). The Sigma Delta Chi Story (1909-1949). Retrieved August 21, 2010.
  3. ^ a b 2009 SPJ Annual Report, letter from the presidents
  4. ^ "William Meharry Glenn". Indiana Journalism Hall of Fame. Retrieved August 21, 2010.
  5. ^ "Sigma Delta Chi, Honorary Journalism Fraternity, Founded at DePauw". DePauw University. Retrieved August 21, 2010.
  6. ^ Society of Professional Journalists - "Our Mission"
  7. ^ Frank H. Maynard, Cowboy's Lament: A Life on the Open Range (Lubbock, Texas: Texas Tech University Press, 2010), p. 29, ISBN 978-0-89672-705-2
  8. ^ a b 2009 SPJ annual report, page 10
  9. ^ 2009 SPJ annual report, page 6
  10. ^ http://www.spj.org/news.asp?ref=1273
  11. ^ http://etspj.org/new-universal-hashtag-for-local-news/
  12. ^ http://blogs.spjnetwork.org/president/2014/09/15/last-weeks-highlights/

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Society_of_Professional_Journalists&oldid=631709464"