BUSINESS

For a century, journalists have had a voluntary ethics code. Editors are giving it an AI-era reboot

PUBLISHED Sep 1, 2026, 1:38 PM ET

Read, Watch or Listen

The Society of Professional Journalists has proposed its first Code of Ethics revision since 2014, responding to artificial intelligence, misinformation, changing journalism careers and declining trust. The 967-word draft keeps four principles: seek truth and report it, minimize harm, act independently, and be accountable and transparent. SPJ’s 16-member Ethics Committee released it Aug. 10 and opened public feedback through Sept. 14. The draft says journalists remain responsible for accuracy and fairness regardless of tools or technologies used, while addressing fabricated content, source transparency, verification, conflicts and marginalization. It also broadens the intended audience beyond traditional newsrooms to freelancers, independent journalists and creators. The proposal remains voluntary and is not legally enforceable. SPJ’s board is scheduled to consider endorsement Sept. 25, followed by an online membership vote Oct. 1-4 if endorsed. The process follows surveys of journalists conducted this spring. If rejected, the existing 2014 code would remain in effect instead.

By James Porter | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

On 1926, SPJ adopted its first journalism ethics code nationally.
On 1948, SPJ established its dedicated Ethics Committee for journalists.
On 1973, Sigma Delta Chi wrote its own ethics code.
On 1984, SPJ again revised its journalism ethics code nationally.
On 1996, SPJ completed another major ethics code revision nationally.
On September 6, 2014, SPJ adopted its current ethics code.
On November 14, 2025, SPJ board endorsed review of ethics.
On March 10, 2026, SPJ launched surveys seeking ethics-code feedback.
On April 27, 2026, Ethics Week discussions examined code revisions.
On June 2026, committee members met in Indianapolis for review.
On August 10, 2026, SPJ released proposed revisions for feedback.
On August 28, 2026, SPJ held its third listening session.
On September 1, 2026, AP reported the proposed ethics reboot.
On September 14, 2026, SPJ feedback period is expected to close.
On September 25, 2026, SPJ board is scheduled to vote.
On October 1, 2026, eligible members may begin final voting.
On October 4, 2026, membership voting could conclude on revisions.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: Newsrooms gain updated voluntary standards for AI-assisted journalism across America.
Possible long-term US impact: Wider adoption could strengthen transparency and public trust across newsrooms.
Reader priority: Readers should prioritize primary documents, transparent sourcing, corrections, and verification.
Most Affected: Journalists, editors, independent creators, journalism schools, audiences, publishers.

Explain Framing

Left: Coverage emphasizes accountability, inclusion, misinformation, and technology’s impact on journalism. Center: Coverage stresses proposed status, unchanged principles, process, and voluntary enforcement. Right: Coverage could emphasize free-press concerns, influence, and skepticism about enforceability.