Society of Professional Journalists
The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ, formerly known as Sigma Delta Chi) is one of the oldest organizations representing journalists in the United States, debuting in 1909.
Its stated mission 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.
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 [1] that aims to ensure that journalists perform their work while adhering to high standards of behavior and decision-making.
The organization helped foster the creation of The American Reporter, the first electronic internet-only newspaper.