ASJA Endorses Efforts to Defend Journalistic Ethics, Integrity
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: ASJA staff, asjaoffice@asja.org
New York, New York (April 21, 2025) – The American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) is one of 50 signatories to a joint statement created by lead sponsor the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) supporting press freedom.
SPJ sent each member of the United States Congress the statement, which reaffirms the vital role of ethical journalism in modern society and calls on government leaders and the public to support the principles that guide the journalism profession.
Ongoing efforts to erode public trust in journalists through misinformation, intimidation and obstruction threaten not only the press but also the public’s right to know. When government officials dismiss factual reporting, restrict access to information, or retaliate against journalists who uncover uncomfortable truths, they undermine the very foundations of our democracy.
“In the current climate of government officials and others trying to discredit journalism and journalists, it’s important that ASJA and other journalism organizations continue to support ethical newsgathering and dissemination,” said Darcy Lewis, ASJA President. “The free exchange of unbiased, factual information is critical to a healthy democracy and worthy of protection.”
Signatories Urge Public to Be Smart News Consumers
The coalition urges members of the public to critically evaluate the information they consume and to support credible news sources. The coalition also calls on authorities to respect the role of a free press.
The statement is a key part of SPJ’s Ethics Week 2025, a celebration of good journalism’s foundational values: accuracy, fairness, independence and transparency.
In addition to ASJA and SPJ, other signers of the statement include the Society for Features Journalism, the Media and Democracy Project, and the National Press Club.
ASJA, which has been the nation’s premier organization for professional freelance nonfiction writers since 1948, champions the First Amendment and rights of freelance writers. The organization has a particular focus on issues of national importance, including censorship, copyright, and legal or industry changes that prevent independent writers from making a living.
To stay abreast of ASJA news and events, subscribe to the ASJA Weekly newsletter, read ASJA Confidential blog or follow ASJA on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok.
For more information about the organization, contact ASJA staff, asjaoffice@asja.org.
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About ASJA
The American Society of Journalists and Authors is the nation’s premier organization of professional freelance nonfiction writers. ASJA members write books, journalism and content marketing and have met ASJA’s objective standards of professional achievement by publishing with national magazines, publishers and clients. As First Amendment and right-to-freelance advocates, ASJA stands up for writers’ rights and offers extensive networking and educational opportunities that benefit members and the freelance writing profession as a whole. ASJA believes in diversity and inclusion and actively works to attract members from all backgrounds and experience levels while continuing to emphasize excellence in nonfiction writing. Learn more at www.asja.org.