Membership
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.
For more than 100 years the Society of Professional Journalists has been dedicated to encouraging a climate in which journalism can be practiced more freely and fully, stimulating high standards and ethical behavior in the practice of journalism and perpetuating a free press.
When you join, you’re doing more than accessing benefits — you’re standing with SPJ to support press freedom and ethical journalism. Your commitment helps us protect the public’s right to know and defend the truth, especially in today’s challenging landscape.
SPJ/LA board members at the 2025 MegaMixer.
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*: $80)
Retired: You are retired and 62 or older, or working in the field only part-time. (Annual membership: $40)
Household: You share living quarters with an existing SPJ professional member. (Annual membership: $40)
Post Grad: Through three years after college graduation. (Annual membership: $40)
College: Any collegiate student. If you are a freshman or sophomore, you can join today for just $105 and be covered for the life of your college years.(Annual membership: $40)
High School Student: Any high school student planning to pursue a career in journalism. (Annual membership: $20)
Associate: You support efforts to protect the First Amendment, freedom of press, media credibility and the public’s access to information. PR professionals, media lawyers, or other supporters of SPJ’s advocacy work. (Annual membership: $40)
Lifetime: Enjoy a lifetime membership in SPJ. (One-time membership fee: $1,000)
*Membership in the local chapter is $20 annually, in addition to the national price. Along with the benefits of the national membership, the $20 local chapter fee gives you the benefits of SPJ/LA close to home.
How to join
SPJ/LA Membership is managed through SPJ National, and you can sign up for a membership here. When signing up, be sure to select Greater Los Angeles Pro Chapter in the “Chapters and Communities” section so you stay connected to SPJ/LA and receive all local member benefits.