The SPJ Code of Ethics just turned 100 and received its first update since 2014. Dr. Dan Axelrod, the chair of the committee that revised it, joined Humanity in Journalism to talk about what changed, why it matters, and what the data from more than 9,000 analyzed articles suggests about journalism when ethics is present. Most people who read the news every day have never heard of the SPJ Code of Ethics. Dan Axelrod thinks that is part of the problem. In the latest episode of

A news article can be accurate, fairly reported, and structurally sound and still become the reason a business owner loses access to their bank account. This is what debanking is, how it works, and what journalists need to understand about the consequences their coverage can set in motion. Most people have never heard of debanking. Fewer still know that a news article can help cause it. In the latest episode of the Humanity in Journalism podcast, "Debanking: How Coverage Beco

The first assignment Danny Klein ever received as a journalist was a fishing tournament. He was from New York City. He knew nothing about fishing and cared even less. His editor gave him exactly one piece of advice: when the people you interview pick up the paper tomorrow and read what you wrote, don't let them think you didn't care. Twenty years later, that advice is still the foundation of how Klein approaches every story he touches. Klein is VP Editorial Director of WTW Me

A wave of AI tools now claims to score journalists and newsrooms — here's what each one actually measures and who it's built for.

Most readers assume a named source means a verified fact — but attribution and verification are two separate acts, and the ReporterLens™ data shows they don't move together.

Unethical reporting that goes unrecognized by audiences may never be meaningfully challenged.

The article finds that news reports and opinion columns differ structurally in measurable ways, especially in sourcing, language, and purpose.

When a news story says “no comment” or “did not respond,” readers often assume guilt — but the reality is usually far more complicated. Drawing from firsthand experience, this piece explores how deadlines, legal strategy, and newsroom pressures shape what readers never see behind that single line.

News articles shape how we see the world. We rely on them to stay informed, make decisions, and form opinions, yet sometimes, even when a story is technically accurate, it can still mislead you. Truth in journalism isn’t just about facts. It’s about how those facts are framed, sequenced, and presented. Understanding these patterns makes you a smarter, more resilient reader. Stack of newspapers Selective Use of Data One of the most common ways news articles mislead is by using

In an age where information is abundant and easily accessible, the challenge of discerning credible sources from misinformation has never been more pressing. With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, we have a unique opportunity to enhance media literacy and transparency. These tools not only help individuals navigate the complex landscape of information but also empower them to critically evaluate the content they consume. Understanding Media Literacy Media litera