Society of Professional Journalists
Improving and protecting journalism since 1909
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For more than 100 years the Society of Professional Journalists has been dedicated to encouraging a climate in which journalism can be practiced more freely and fully, stimulating high standards and ethical behavior in the practice of journalism and perpetuating a free press.
We invite you to join us today!
– Join Online
– Benefits of an SPJ Membership
– Membership Fees
1. Join online
2. Download a form and join by mail or fax [PDF]
3. Request an application by mail
Membership expired? Renew in minutes today.
– How SPJ Works for You
– Discounted Services for Members
– Testimonials: Why I'm a Member
– Three Reasons to Join: Education, Support, Advocacy
– Membership Fees
– Join Now!
– FOI Resources
– FOI Committee Blog
– FOI FAQ: Pros | Students
– Shield Law
– News/Articles
– Find FOI Locally
– Ethics Resources
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– Ethics Committee Blog
– Committee Position Papers
– News/Articles
– Answers/Get Help
– Diversity Resources
– Diversity Committee Blog
– News/Articles
– Rainbow Diversity Sourcebook
– Diversity Toolbox
– Resources/Guidelines
Touch base with fellow SPJ members and meet like-minded journalists by joining one or more of SPJ's communities! Open to all members.
– Communities Hub
– Freelance Community
– SPJ Digital
– International Journalism Community
– Generation J Community
– Students Community
– Freelancers
– Young Professionals
[Generation J]
– Students
– Educators
– International Journalists
– Training on Demand Videos
– Webinars on Demand
– Spring Conferences
– Journcamp
– For Journalism
– Ted Scripps Leadership Institute
– Online Tips and Tutorials
– On-Site Training
– Employment and Career Center
– SPJ Freelancer Directory
– Internships, Fellowships and Scholarships
The work of the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation depends on time, talent and financial support from those who support excellence and ethics in journalism. Our online giving process will only take a few moments. Please visit our donation page to support SPJ and the SDX Foundation.
Since its founding in 1961, the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation has promoted excellence and ethics in journalism. The SDX Foundation is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) organization that supports the educational programs of the Society of Professional Journalists and serves the professional needs of journalists and students pursuing careers in journalism.
– Home
– Board of Directors
– Donors Circle
– Give Monthly
– Planned Giving
– Memorial & Tribute Gifts
– Signature Programs
– Grants Information
– Documentation
Excellence in Journalism is the national journalism conference of the Society of Professional Journalists and the Radio Television Digital News Association. Join us in September in Anaheim for training, networking, workshops and more!
– 2016 Recap
– 2015 Recap
– 2014 Recap
– 2013 Recap
– 2012 Recap
– 2011 Recap
– 2010 Recap
– 2009 Recap
– 2008 Recap
– 2007 Recap
– 2006 Recap
– Sigma Delta Chi Awards
– Mark of Excellence Awards
– New America Awards
– High School Essay Contest
– Awards, Fellowships and Internships
– SPJ Honors: Public | Members
– National Chapter Awards
– Local/Regional Contests
– Spring Conferences
– Find FOI in Your State
– Start a Chapter in Your Area
– SPJ Leaders home
– Leading Edge Blog
– Scripps Leadership Institute
– Downloadable Resources
– Start a Chapter
– Annual Reports, Best Practices and more
– Member Directory Search
– Chapter Directory
– Prospective Members Report
– Members Not Renewing Report
The work of SPJ, its Legal Defense Fund and the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation depends on time, talent and financial support from journalists and others who support these goals. No matter which recipient you choose, you'll have made a valuable investment in journalism.
SPJ.org
– Home
– News
– Calendar
– Chapters
– Foundation
– SPJ Blogs Network
– Journalist's Toolbox
– Excellence in Journalism
Missions and Resources
– Journalism Training
– Freedom of Information
– Ethics
– Diversity
– Freelancers
– Students
– Educators
– International
– Generation J
Resources for...
– Freelancers
– Students
– Educators
– International Journalists
– Job Bank
– SPJ Freelancer Directory
– Internships, Fellowships and Scholarships
About SPJ
– SDX Foundation
– Headquarters Staff
– Board of Directors
– Legal Defense Fund
– Awards
– History and Timeline
– Donate
– Advertise
– Merchandise
Member Sign in
Become an SPJ Member
– Join Online
– Benefits of an SPJ Membership
– Membership Fees
– Discounted Services for Members
– Membership expired? Renew in minutes today.
Excellence in Journalism 2017: Sept 7-9, Anaheim
EIJ17 Website
Your Donation Matters!
The work of SPJ, its Legal Defense Fund and the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation depends on time, talent and financial support from journalists and others who support these goals. No matter which recipient you choose, you'll have made a valuable investment in journalism.
Member Login | Join SPJ | Benefits | Rates
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SPJ.org
– News
– Calendar
– Chapters
– SPJ Blogs Network
– Journalist's Toolbox
– Excellence in Journalism
About SPJ
– SDX Foundation
– Headquarters Staff
– Board of Directors
– Legal Defense Fund
– Awards
– History and Timeline
– Donate
– Advertise
– Merchandise
Missions and Resources
– Journalism Training
– Freedom of Information
– Ethics
– Diversity
– Freelancers
– Students
– Educators
– International
– Generation J
SPJ Members
– Members Home
– Edit Profile
– Renew Membership
– Membership Directory
– Join SPJ
– Why Join?
For more than 100 years the Society of Professional Journalists has been dedicated to encouraging a climate in which journalism can be practiced more freely and fully, stimulating high standards and ethical behavior in the practice of journalism and perpetuating a free press.
We invite you to join us today!
– Join Online
– Benefits of an SPJ Membership
– Membership Fees
1. Join online
2. Download a form and join by mail or fax [PDF]
3. Request an application by mail
Membership expired? Renew in minutes today.
– How SPJ Works for You
– Discounted Services for Members
– Testimonials: Why I'm a Member
– Three Reasons to Join: Education, Support, Advocacy
– Membership Fees
– Join Now!
– FOI Resources
– FOI Committee Blog
– FOI FAQ: Pros | Students
– Shield Law
– News/Articles
– Find FOI Locally
– Ethics Resources
– SPJ Code of Ethics
– Ethics Committee Blog
– Committee Position Papers
– News/Articles
– Answers/Get Help
– Diversity Resources
– Diversity Committee Blog
– News/Articles
– Rainbow Diversity Sourcebook
– Diversity Toolbox
– Resources/Guidelines
Touch base with fellow SPJ members and meet like-minded journalists by joining one or more of SPJ's communities! Open to all members.
– Communities Hub
– Freelance Community
– SPJ Digital
– International Journalism Community
– Generation J Community
– Students Community
– Freelancers
– Young Professionals
[Generation J]
– Students
– Educators
– International Journalists
– Training on Demand Videos
– Webinars on Demand
– Spring Conferences
– Journcamp
– For Journalism
– Ted Scripps Leadership Institute
– Online Tips and Tutorials
– On-Site Training
– Employment and Career Center
– SPJ Freelancer Directory
– Internships, Fellowships and Scholarships
The work of the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation depends on time, talent and financial support from those who support excellence and ethics in journalism. Our online giving process will only take a few moments. Please visit our donation page to support SPJ and the SDX Foundation.
Since its founding in 1961, the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation has promoted excellence and ethics in journalism. The SDX Foundation is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) organization that supports the educational programs of the Society of Professional Journalists and serves the professional needs of journalists and students pursuing careers in journalism.
– Home
– Board of Directors
– Donors Circle
– Give Monthly
– Planned Giving
– Memorial & Tribute Gifts
– Signature Programs
– Grants Information
– Documentation
Excellence in Journalism is the national journalism conference of the Society of Professional Journalists and the Radio Television Digital News Association. Join us in September in Anaheim for training, networking, workshops and more!
– 2016 Recap
– 2015 Recap
– 2014 Recap
– 2013 Recap
– 2012 Recap
– 2011 Recap
– 2010 Recap
– 2009 Recap
– 2008 Recap
– 2007 Recap
– 2006 Recap
– Sigma Delta Chi Awards
– Mark of Excellence Awards
– New America Awards
– High School Essay Contest
– Awards, Fellowships and Internships
– SPJ Honors: Public | Members
– National Chapter Awards
– Local/Regional Contests
– Spring Conferences
– Find FOI in Your State
– Start a Chapter in Your Area
– SPJ Leaders home
– Leading Edge Blog
– Scripps Leadership Institute
– Downloadable Resources
– Start a Chapter
– Annual Reports, Best Practices and more
– Member Directory Search
– Chapter Directory
– Prospective Members Report
– Members Not Renewing Report
The work of SPJ, its Legal Defense Fund and the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation depends on time, talent and financial support from journalists and others who support these goals. No matter which recipient you choose, you'll have made a valuable investment in journalism.
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.
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SPJ News
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Journalist's ToolboxHome > About SPJ > SPJ History
About the Society
History of the Society
SPJ Timeline | SPJ Presidents | Chester C. Wells
Historic Moments:
A timeline of SPJs development
Compiled by SPJ member Jennifer Peebles
Use the arrows to move forward and backward between events. TapClick and drag the timeline below to move around it, and tapclick on events to see that event in detail.
Chester C. Wells: His True Life Story
Chester C. Wells, Sigma Delta Chis second national president, is remembered today through the Wells Memorial Key, which is the highest honor SPJ can bestow on a member. But little else about his legacy has been documented. Journalist Gordon Govier set out to discover the story of Chester Wells, who was elected president at the second national convention of Sigma Delta Chi, held in Madison, Wisc., in May 1913. This is what he found.
SPJ Presidents