Society of Professional Journalists Overhauls Century-Old Code of Ethics to Tackle AI, Misinformation, and Modern Media Realities

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Marking a major milestone in the evolution of modern media, the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) has officially adopted a sweeping set of revisions to its foundational Code of Ethics. The announcement was made during the closing membership meeting at the SPJ26 national convention in Columbus, Ohio, following an overwhelming endorsement by the SPJ Board of Directors and a resounding 93% approval vote from participating members.

The overhaul coincides with the centenary of the Code, which was first adopted in 1926. This modern update represents only the sixth major revision in its 100-year history, following previous amendments in 1973, 1984, 1987, 1996, and 2014. Designed to address the dizzying technological, social, and structural shifts transforming the media landscape, the revised framework equips reporters, editors, and digital content creators with contemporary guidance for navigating an era defined by artificial intelligence, rampant misinformation, and shifting audience habits.

While deeply modernized, the updated Code firmly preserves the four core principles that have anchored SPJ’s approach to ethical journalism for generations: Seek Truth and Report It, Minimize Harm, Act Independently, and Be Accountable and Transparent.

Main Facts: What Changed in the 2026 Code of Ethics?

The newly minted Code of Ethics directly addresses the complex realities of 21st-century journalism. Rather than rewriting the foundational philosophy of the profession, the committee focused on translating timeless journalistic values into actionable guidance for modern dilemmas.

Key additions and clarifications within the updated text include:

• Artificial Intelligence and Machine-Generated Content: Clearer guardrails regarding the ethical use, verification, and disclosure of AI tools, automated writing, and synthetic media in reporting.
• Misinformation and Disinformation: Heightened emphasis on rigorous verification protocols to prevent the amplification of falsehoods in fast-moving news environments.
• Source Transparency: Refined guidelines on balancing the protection of confidential whistleblowers with the public’s right to understand the credibility and motivations behind sources.
• Fairness in Allegations and Marginalized Perspectives: Enhanced focus on equitable representation, ensuring that reporting on unproven allegations is handled fairly and that marginalized communities are portrayed accurately and respectfully.
• Harmful and Hateful Content: Responsible handling of graphic, potentially dangerous, or hateful material without censoring legitimate public interest reporting.
• Self-Awareness in Reporting: Guidance prompting journalists to critically examine how their own lived experiences, unconscious biases, and personal assumptions influence their reporting and framing of stories.

Despite these rigorous standards, leadership emphasized that the SPJ Code of Ethics remains a voluntary framework rather than an enforceable legal code or a bureaucratic credentialing tool. It does not dictate who qualifies as a journalist; instead, it serves as an aspirational moral compass for anyone who gathers and shares information with the public.

Chronology: A Year-Long Path to Modernization

The journey toward the 2026 revision was a comprehensive, highly inclusive undertaking that spanned nearly a year. The timeline of the project highlights the thoroughness of the SPJ’s approach:

• October 2025: Recognizing the mounting pressures of generative AI and shifting digital consumption models, then-SPJ Immediate National President Chris R. Vaccaro officially appointed Dan Axelrod to chair the Ethics Committee. Axelrod subsequently named Chris Roberts as vice chair and co-leader of the revision initiative.
• Late 2025 to Early 2026: Axelrod and Roberts assembled a diverse, 16-member committee comprising working journalists, journalism educators, ethics scholars, and media leaders from various geographic regions, professional platforms, and backgrounds. Backed by specialized advisers, the committee organized into subcommittees to tackle specific sectors of the Code, meeting monthly.
• Spring and Summer 2026: The committee engaged in robust public outreach. They surveyed more than 700 media professionals and members of the public, hosted dedicated public discussions during Ethics Week, conducted an intensive in-person review session in Indianapolis, and consulted widely with current and former SPJ leaders, past Ethics Committee members, and outside experts.
• August 10, 2026: Following months of synthesis and debate, the committee published its comprehensive proposed revisions report.
• September 25, 2026: The SPJ Board of Directors formally reviewed and endorsed the updated Code of Ethics, sending it forward for a full membership vote.
• October 4, 2026: At the SPJ26 national convention in Columbus, Ohio, the membership overwhelmingly approved the revisions with a 93% “yes” vote during the annual national election, officially sealing the centennial update.

Supporting Data and Membership Decisions

The revision process was notable not only for its depth but also for the heavy engagement of the journalism community. The committee’s data collection efforts yielded vital insights into what the public and professionals expect from modern reporting:

• 700+: The number of industry professionals and citizens surveyed regarding ethics, trust, and the future trajectory of journalism.
• 93%: The decisive percentage of SPJ members who voted in favor of adopting the updated Code of Ethics during the national convention.
• 86%: The percentage of members who voted to approve a separate, vital bylaws change granting the SPJ Board of Directors explicit authority to establish and enforce conduct standards for SPJ events and activities.

Alongside the ethics vote, the convention concluded with the democratic election of several key leadership figures for the organization:

• President: Nicole DeCriscio formally assumed her role as SPJ National President.
• Vice President: Stacie Overton Johnson secured the highest number of votes in the vice-presidential race.
• Secretary-Treasurer: Patricia Gallagher Newberry was elected to manage the organization’s financial oversight.
• Directors At-Large: Marty Fischhoff and Jillian Melero were voted onto the SPJ Board of Directors.
• Regional Coordinators: Christine McGrath (Region 1), Ginny McCabe (Region 4), Marcus Green (Region 5), and McKenzie Romero (Region 9) were elected to represent their respective geographic areas.

Official Responses and Leadership Perspectives

As the journalism community digests the implications of the centennial update, SPJ leaders have underscored the profound importance of adapting ethical standards to meet the challenges of a volatile digital age.

Outgoing Immediate Past National President Chris R. Vaccaro reflected on the broader mission of the organization during the transition of leadership:

"Journalism continues to change, but our responsibility to the public remains. This updated Code gives journalists a framework for applying enduring ethical principles to the challenges they face today and the challenges still to come."

Ethics Committee Chair Dan Axelrod emphasized the timeless relevance of the project against the backdrop of the Code’s 100-year history:

"Now, more than ever, the world needs high-quality, ethical journalism to protect the public interest and improve the world. The newly revised SPJ Code of Ethics will continue the Code’s 100-year history of setting the standards and aspirations for what journalism can be."

Echoing these sentiments, Vice Chair Chris Roberts pointed out the practical, daily realities reporters face when navigating modern technologies:

"Journalists routinely face choices where technology, competing interests, and the potential for harm make ethical decision-making more complicated. The revised Code provides a clearer foundation for navigating those choices."

Newly sworn-in SPJ National President Nicole DeCriscio looked ahead to the future of the organization and its ongoing role in shaping media standards:

"This is more than an update to a document. As technology and the ways people receive information continue to evolve, journalists will need clear, durable principles to guide their work. The updated Code helps ensure SPJ remains a leader in that conversation."

Implications for the Future of Journalism

The adoption of the 2026 SPJ Code of Ethics arrives at a critical inflection point for the global media ecosystem. With generative artificial intelligence capable of producing hyper-realistic deepfakes, text, and synthetic audio in seconds, the boundary between verified fact and fabricated fiction has never been more porous.

By directly addressing machine-generated content and misinformation, the SPJ has provided newsrooms—particularly under-resourced local outlets and independent digital journalists—with an authoritative benchmark to evaluate emerging tools. Furthermore, the emphasis on source transparency and marginalized perspectives acknowledges a growing public demand for equity, diversity, and accountability in storytelling.

While the Code remains voluntary, its influence across newsrooms, journalism schools, and media ethics curricula cannot be overstated. For a century, the SPJ Code of Ethics has served as the conscience of the profession. By modernizing its provisions for the digital age, the Society of Professional Journalists has ensured that its core tenets—truth, independence, accountability, and the minimization of harm—will continue to guide the pursuit of a well-informed public for generations to come.

The full text of the newly revised SPJ Code of Ethics, approved on October 4, 2026, along with detailed committee reports and frequently asked questions, is publicly accessible on the Society of Professional Journalists official website.