Membership

This is an exhilarating time for the news business. It's also a little bit scary. The practice of gathering and delivering news is rapidly evolving and many sectors of the industry are in upheaval. Joining the Greater L.A. chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists can help you meet Southern California journalists, learn about the work they do and help the next generation enter this exciting profession.

Why should I join SPJ?

The Society of Professional Journalists is dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism, stimulating high standards of ethical behavior and protecting First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and the press. SPJ works to educate, inspire and support current and future journalists in print, digital and broadcast media. With more than 6,000 members nationwide, SPJ offers training programs, both in person and on demand, stages conferences that offer professional development, and operates a legal defense fund that wages court battles and helps journalists resolve conflicts before they require costly litigation. 

What are the benefits of joining the Greater L.A. chapter?

The Greater L.A. chapter of SPJ is responsible for staging events, workshops and networking opportunities for journalists in Southern California. SPJ/LA's Board of Directors advocates on behalf of local journalists who are impeded from doing their jobs, whether it is accessing a courtroom, getting a response to a public records request or demanding transparency from our public officials.

What is SPJ/LA doing to support and defend journalists?

SPJ/LA takes action when journalists and the public are denied access and information. In recent years, SPJ/LA demanded access to federal court hearings on a case dealing with homeless services, sought documents on a controversial 2018 appearance at UCLA by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, and demanded an investigation by the District Attorney's Office into excessive use of force by police against the news media. The chapter is also proud to support young journalists through its yearly scholarships, which assist students looking to enter print, digital and broadcast media.

What types of membership does SPJ offer?

• Professional: You spend more than half of your time working as a journalist or j-educator. (Annual membership fee: $75)

• Retired: You are retired and 62 or older. (Annual membership fee: $37.50)

• Household: You share living quarters with an existing SPJ professional member. (Annual membership fee: $37.50)

• Post Grad: Through three years after college graduation. (Annual membership fee: $37.50)

• College: Any collegiate student. (Annual membership fee: $37.50)

• Associate: You support efforts to protect the First Amendment, freedom of press, media credibility and the public’s access to information. (Annual membership fee: $20)

• Lifetime: Enjoy a lifetime membership in SPJ. (One-time membership fee: $1,000)