Paul Fletcher

Does the SPJ Ethics Code need a revision?

The SPJ Ethics Committee is asking that question and seeking input from members. In the latest Quill (July/August 2013), Kevin Smith, SPJ past president and Ethics Committee chair, notes that it’s been 17 years since the last revision of the Code. The question that no one in SPJ can dodge, he says, is “whether theContinue reading “Does the SPJ Ethics Code need a revision?”

Some perspective on the ‘unhappy journalists’ survey

A lot of ink got spilled this past week, reporting on a new survey from the University of Georgia on career satisfaction among journalists. Poynter.org had the story: Some 28 percent of the journalists surveyed wish they had chosen a different career. Some of the coverage boo-hooed and intoned that this is yet another manifestationContinue reading “Some perspective on the ‘unhappy journalists’ survey”

Eckert honored with SPJVA service award

The Society of Professional Journalists, Virginia Pro chapter, gave its George and Frances Crutchfield Distinguished Service Award for 2013 to longtime chapter leader Brian Eckert at the annual George Mason Banquet and Celebration June 18. Eckert, an SPJ member since 1987, joined the Virginia Pro board in the late 1990s and would hold a numberContinue reading “Eckert honored with SPJVA service award”

SPJ responds to DOJ seizure of AP phone records

SPJ President Sonny Albarado today condemned the Department of Justice’s secret seizure of two months’ worth of business and personal phone records of reporters for The Associated Press. Calling the action “shameful and outrageous,” Albarado said the incident once again points up the need for a federal shield law. The full text of Albarado’s statementContinue reading “SPJ responds to DOJ seizure of AP phone records”

Scholarship application deadline extended to June 1

May 7, 2013 Dear College Journalists, Students, Professors and Financial Aid Officers: The application deadline the for two college journalism scholarships of $1,500 each, available to rising juniors or seniors attending a Virginia college or university, has been extended. The Virginia SPJ,SDX Educational Foundation awards the scholarships annually, with support from Society of Professional Journalists,Continue reading “Scholarship application deadline extended to June 1”