SPJ, After Probe, Will Honor 9 Santa Barbara Journalists

By: E&P Staff The Society of Professional Journalists announced today that it is presenting an Ethics in Journalism Award to nine California journalists who resigned recently at the Santa Barbara News-Press, citing alleged violation of provisions of the SPJ Code of Ethics.

SPJ noted in a statement that when the nine journalists -- including editor Jerry Roberts, four other top editors and a well-known columnist -- "cited improper ownership and management meddling in the editorial content of the privately owned newspaper. They pointed specifically to sections of the SPJ Code of Ethics that call upon journalists to 'distinguish between advocacy and news reporting' and to be 'accountable to their readers, listeners, viewers and each other.''

David Carlson, president of the Society of Professional Journalists,
said the Society "decided to present the awards after initiating a comprehensive inquiry into the issue. The investigating team, which included several national board and committee members, solicited the views of many of the honorees as well as News-Press owner and Co-Publisher Wendy McCaw before deciding to recognize the nine journalists."

According to the statement, "SPJ traditionally steers clear of management-employee disputes, and understands the prerogatives that come with newspaper ownership. It does not take a position either way on formal workplace grievances or union activity resulting from internal disputes.

"Nevertheless, the Society has concluded that the tumultuous events that led to collective resignations at the Santa Barbara News-Press were precipitated by breaches in the newspaper?s foremost ethical obligation ? to its readers ? and is proud to support those who have put ethical convictions above professional security."

The nine are:

Jerry Roberts, former executive editor.
George Foulsham, former managing editor.
Don Murphy, former deputy managing editor.
Gerry Spratt, former sports editor.
Michael Todd, former business editor.
Jane Hulse, former city editor.
Colin Powers, former presentation editor.
Former columnist Barney Brantingham.
Scott Hadly, former reporter.

Roberts will accept the award on behalf of the nine Santa Barbara journalists on Saturday, Aug. 26, during the President?s Installation Banquet at the 2006 SPJ Convention and National Journalism Conference at the Hyatt Regency Chicago.