SPJ Code of Ethics for Independent Journalists

What is the SPJ Code of Ethics?

The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) publishes a Code of Ethics. It is a guide for all who provide news and commentary to the public, regardless of affiliation or medium ^[1].

SPJ revised the Code on October 4, 2026, at its national convention in Columbus, Ohio ^[1]. Members approved the revisions, with 93% voting in favor ^[2]. If you quote or summarize the Code, use this version and not an older copy you saved ^[1].

The revised Code keeps four principles: Seek Truth and Report It; Minimize Harm; Act Independently; and Be Accountable and Transparent ^[2]. This guide walks through each one.

SPJ's Code of Ethics Committee also published a report on the Code. It is embedded below if you want to read the committee's own words ^[3].

Document · Society of Professional Journalists

Proposed Revisions to the Society of Professional Journalists' Code of Ethics: An SPJ Ethics Committee Report

Open at spj.org

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Is the SPJ Code of Ethics a law?

No. The Code says it is not, and under the First Amendment cannot be, legally enforceable ^[1]. It calls itself a guide, not a set of rules ^[1].

SPJ says the Code is voluntary ^[4]. It also says it has no mechanism for investigating complaints or enforcing discipline on SPJ members, much less other journalists ^[4].

SPJ does encourage fellow journalists and the public to hold news reports and commentary up to ethical scrutiny ^[4].

The Code separates legal access from ethical justification: it says legal access to information differs from the ethical justification for reporting it. It says legal access to information differs from the ethical justification for reporting it ^[1]. For legal questions, ask a qualified source such as a lawyer.

Does the Code apply to independent journalists and creators?

The Code is addressed to all who provide news and commentary to the public, regardless of affiliation or medium ^[1]. SPJ's announcement says it does not establish who qualifies as a journalist ^[2]. Columbia Journalism Review reports that the Code has never tried to define who gets to be called a journalist ^[5].

The Code Committee's report agrees. It says the Code places greater emphasis on ethical requirements for all who transmit information, news and commentary ^[3]. That holds regardless of affiliations and platforms ^[3].

That matters if you work alone. The committee report cites a Pew study finding that a third of journalists were freelance or self-employed in 2023 ^[3].

CJR quotes SPJ President Chris Vaccaro saying the Code could apply to everybody creating content ^[5].

There is one catch. The Code does not establish who qualifies as a journalist, so it is not a way to prove that you are one ^[2]. If you need a way to document your work, see how a press credential can document your work.

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Principle 1: Seek Truth and Report It

This principle covers how you gather and check information. These lines from the Code are especially practical for anyone publishing without an editor.

• Verify the provenance and authenticity of the methods, sources and technology used to produce news ^[1].
• Do not use speed, technology or medium as an excuse. The Code says they do not excuse inaccuracy or unfairness ^[1].
• Treat anonymity and confidentiality as a last resort. Reserve them for sources with information of substantial public interest who may face danger, retribution or other harm ^[1].
• Avoid undercover or other surreptitious methods unless open methods will not yield information vital to the public ^[1].
• Give subjects of coverage a fair opportunity to respond to criticism or allegations of wrongdoing. The Code says to do this without exception ^[1].
• Label opinion journalism and news analysis ^[1].
• Never publish fabricated content that could be confused with reality. Clearly label illustrations and reenactments ^[1].
• Never plagiarize. Always attribute ^[1].

The Code is a guide for all who provide news and commentary, whatever their medium ^[1]. Its labeling lines cover opinion, analysis, illustrations and reenactments ^[1].

Principle 2: Minimize Harm

This principle asks you to think about the people your story touches. Two lines stand out.

First, the Code says legal access to information differs from the ethical justification for reporting it ^[1]. Being legally allowed to publish something does not settle the ethical question ^[1]. Ask both questions before you post: can I, and should I?

Second, the Code says to respect the presumption of innocence while a criminal case is being resolved ^[1]. If you cover an arrest or a charge, choose your wording with that in mind ^[1].

Principle 3: Act Independently

This is the section solo publishers should read twice. You may have no editor or ad department standing between you and a source or sponsor.

The Code says not to pay sources in exchange for interviews or information ^[1].

It also says to avoid conflicts of interest, real or perceived ^[1]. When you cannot avoid one, disclose it, explain it and seek to lessen its effect ^[1]. If you have a tie to a person or company you cover, say so in the piece ^[1].

On money from advertisers and partners, the Code says to distinguish news from advertising ^[1]. It says to shun hybrids that blur the lines between the two ^[1]. It also says to prominently label sponsored content and partnerships ^[1].

Principle 4: Be Accountable and Transparent

The Code puts corrections here. It says to acknowledge mistakes and correct them promptly and prominently ^[1].

Make that easy for yourself. Decide where corrections will appear on your site, newsletter or channel. Put the fix where readers will see it ^[1].

A practical checklist for independent journalists

Run through this list before you publish. Each item comes from the Code.

1. Verify your sources, methods and tools ^[1].
2. Do not let a deadline excuse an error ^[1].
3. Use anonymous sources only as a last resort, and only when the public interest is substantial and the source may face harm ^[1].
4. Try open methods before any undercover approach ^[1].
5. Give the people you criticize a fair chance to respond ^[1].
6. Label opinion, analysis, illustrations, reenactments and sponsored content ^[1].
7. Never plagiarize. Always attribute ^[1].
8. Do not pay for interviews or information ^[1].
9. Disclose conflicts you cannot avoid ^[1].
10. Correct mistakes promptly and prominently ^[1].

Treat the list as a prompt, not a test. The Code calls itself a guide that encourages you to take responsibility for the information you provide ^[1].

If you want to work alongside other independent reporters, you can join the National Press Association as an independent journalist.

What are the limits of the Code, and what do critics say?

The Code has clear limits. It is voluntary ^[4]. It is not legally enforceable ^[1]. SPJ has no mechanism to investigate complaints or discipline journalists who ignore it ^[4]. It does not establish who qualifies as a journalist ^[2].

So the Code is not a way to prove your status. Our guide to press credentials for independent reporters looks at one way to document your work.

Not everyone is sure the Code is still relevant; Liz Kelly Nelson of Project C told Columbia Journalism Review, "I'm not sure how relevant it is anymore." ^[5] CJR quotes Liz Kelly Nelson, founder of Project C, an organization supporting independent creator journalists. She says she is not sure how relevant the Code is anymore ^[5]. That is one critic's view, not SPJ's position ^[5].

You can weigh both views yourself. SPJ encourages fellow journalists and the public to hold news reports and commentary up to ethical scrutiny ^[4].