Learn More About SPJ/LA Committees
Advocacy
The advocacy committee is set up to respond quickly and forcefully to issues facing journalists in Southern California – state or local legislation, access to government proceedings and areas that any incident that impedes the exercise of the free press.
Committee Chair: Joel Bellman
Awards
The Awards Committee meets on an annual basis to solicit nominations and ultimately recommend candidates for the chapter’s Distinguished Journalists Awards.
Committee Chair: Sara Catania
Banquet
SPJ/LA hosts an annual banquet to recognize the achievements of the chapter’s Distinguished Journalist Award honorees. The banquet also serves as the chapter’s primary fundraiser for scholarships and programming.
Committee Chair: Roberta Wax
Communications
The Communications Committee maintains the SPJ/LA website, issues press releases, sends email blasts and posts information on Twitter, Facebook and other social media sites about the chapter’s activities and other information important to Southern California journalists.
Committee Chair: Alexi Chidbachian
Diversity
SPJ/LA recognizes that the news media must reach all members of the community and works on programming and other activities to further the goal of having diverse newsrooms and diverse sources of news.
Committee Chair: Gwen Muranaka
Ethics
SPJ is proud of its Code of Ethics, which promotes the highest professional standards for journalists of all disciplines. This committee is set up to look at the major ethical issues facing the journalism profession.
Committee Chair: Kate Cagle
Freedom of Information
The FOI Committee keeps tabs on an issue basic to our work: getting information and disseminating it to the public.
Committee Chair: David Zahniser
Generation J
Generation J focuses on programs that give young journalists, particularly at the high school and college levels, access to professional training opportunities.
Committee Chair: George Keeler
Membership
This committee is focused on recruitment and retention of SPJ members.
Committee Chair: Kate Cagle
Nominations
This committee meets each year to attract candidates interested in running for seats on the SPJ/LA board of directors.
Committee Chair: Tom Bray
Scholarship
SPJ/LA offers six annual scholarships to college students and graduating high school seniors in the Los Angeles, Ventura and Orange counties. This committee solicits and reviews the scholarship applications and makes recommendations for selection by the full SPJ/LA board.
Committee Chair: Richard Saxton