SPJ opens doors for students
A century ago, 10 college students in Indiana came together and created an organization based on the improvement and protection of journalism. This year, the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) celebrates its history and prepares for the next 100 years of journalism.
The University of Iowa's SPJ chapter has worked alongside the national chapter for 97 of those 100 years.
National Convention Members of the Iowa chapter of SPJ traveled to Indianapolis, Ind. to take part in this year’s national convention. Photo contributed by SPJ
SPJ holds bi-weekly meetings at which professionals in the journalism field are sought out as speakers.
"When we talk with professionals, they can tell us, ’this is what we’re looking for, this is what you need to do,’" Vice-President of SPJ, Julie Koehn (senior, Atkins, Iowa) said. "If nothing else students can meet professionals who might be able to put in a good word."
Not only does SPJ make networking a priority, it opens doors that allow students to participate in the world of journalism on a national scale.
"Another fantastic thing about SPJ is that all members are encouraged to make a difference, and the national chapter makes it easy to be a part of this," Trettin said.
Currently, at the national level, SPJ is fighting against a proposal made by the Obama administration which would change S. 448, a law that protects journalists from being forced to reveal confidential sources. According to SPJ.org, if implemented, the administration’s changes would weaken the proposed shield law and offer little to no protection for reporters who refuse to disclose confidential sources.
Because this law is vital to the continued practice of free press, the national organization is emphasizing the importance of all chapters working together and acting now, before it’s too late.
The national sector of SPJ has even created sample letters that explain why S.448 should remain as is. It encourages members from any chapter to send the letters to their state lawmakers and also to the White House in protest of the proposed changes to the shield laws.
"SPJ has instilled a lot of core journalistic values in me, such as the importance of First Amendment rights, keeping high ethical standards in all my work and valuing a free press and free flow of information," Trettin said.
One hundred years ago, 10 students created an extraordinary organization; today, UI’s SPJ members are excited to be a part of its future.
"The most interesting part about journalism right now is that, you can ask anyone in the field, and no one has any idea what is to come in the next few years," Koehn said.