Society of Professional Journalists Los Angeles
The latest news from SPJ/LA…
Coalition Demands L.A. Law Enforcement Stop Attacks on Journalists
A national coalition of 25 organizations sent this letter to Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell and Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna condemning the use of “less than lethal” weapons against journalists as they cover protests against ICE operations.
The letter notes that journalists in California have additional legal protections that extend beyond the U.S. Constitution, both against being arrested or attacked while covering protests (including protests that have been dispersed) and against searches and seizures. Read the full statement here.
First Amendment concerns raised during anti-ICE LA protests
A nationwide group of 27 press rights and civil liberties organizations, sent this letter to Department of Homeland Security Director Kristi Noem expressing alarm at reports that federal officers may have violated journalists’ First Amendment rights as they covered protests against the Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids in Los Angeles. Read the letter here.
SPJ/LA issues statement on treatment of journalists covering LA anti-ICE protests
As immigration protests continue throughout LA County, SPJ/LA strongly reminds journalists to prioritize their safety while reporting in the field. SPJ/LA stands in support of the journalists who put themselves at risk to do their job. We call on all members of the public—demonstrators and law enforcement—to respect the role of the press and ensure that journalists can do their jobs without threat or harm. Read the full statement here.
Nominations now being accepted for 49th annual Distinguished Journalist Awards
It’s award time! Nominate a fellow journalist for SPJ/LA’s Distinguished Journalist Awards. The deadline for nomination submissions is June 30, 2025. Submit a nomination now!
Pints & Press: Meet, Mingle, and Sip with LA Journalists
You're Invited to SPJ/LA’s Annual Mega Mixer!
Join us Sunday, June 29 at Golden Road Brewery in Atwater Village for a fun evening of conversation and community as journalists from across LA come together to eat, drink, and mingle. It’s the perfect opportunity to meet new faces and reconnect with familiar ones.
Help for journalists
Lost your job? Having financial issues? Help may be available through the 8 Ball Emergency Fund for Journalists. You can also find job opportunities by clicking here.
Awards
Each year SPJ/LA honors journalists who have achieved a record of accomplishments over the course of their career. The chapter also honors two students studying journalism.
Advocacy
SPJ/LA Celebrates Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Signing of Senate Bill 98
Membership
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.
Scholarships
"Getting the SPJ/LA scholarship meant a lot to me, financially and mentally. Financially because, $1,500 relieves so much pressure when you're broke and working two jobs to get through college. Mentally, it allowed me to think if I'm good enough for a scholarship from a prestigious press organization, that I'm good enough to be in a newsroom someday."
- Angel Carreras, 2016 recipient of the Bill Farr Memorial Scholarship. He is on a fellowship with KCRW-FM.