SPJ 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 10,000 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.
Membership in SPJ is open to all media professionals who uphold the society’s Code of Ethics.
The Virginia Pro Chapter carries out SPJ’s mission on the state level. We hold events for journalists and the general public, honor people who have made outstanding contributions to Virginia journalism, provide financial support for college journalists and speak out in support of free speech, freedom of the press and the First Amendment. Our members include print, broadcast and online journalists across Virginia.
Latest news from SPJVA
2 Virginia college students awarded summer journalism fellowships
Grant Johnson, a graduating senior at James Madison University, and Merrill Hart, a junior at the University of Virginia, have been selected as 2024 summer newsroom fellows by the Virginia SPJ,SDX Educational Foundation.
Student fellowship funding and new SPJVA board member
The SPJVA board has allocated $1,500 to the SPJ,SDX Educational Foundation in support of the foundation’s fellowships for college journalists doing summer internships. Also, Reynolds Hutchins, editor of The Daily Progress in Charlottesville, was appointed to finish out the term of board member Hawes Spencer.
Students, apply for support for summer internships
The Virginia SPJ,SDX Educational Foundation invites applications from college students for fellowships to support journalism internships during the summer of 2024.
Nominations open for 2023 and 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award
We are taking nominations for the SPJ Virginia Pro Chapter’s 2023 and 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award, which honors “a journalist or friend of journalism of exceptional character and dedication to the craft” — a person who “has made outstanding contributions to Virginia journalism.” The deadline has been extended to March 15, 2024.
SPJVA Today 