The Associated Press reports (September 1, 2026) that the Society of Professional Journalists is revising its Code of Ethics for only the sixth time in its century-long history, and for the first time in 12 years, with the rise of generative AI in newsrooms as a central driver. The revised code adds explicit language that ‘speed, technology or medium do not excuse inaccuracy or unfairness,’ holding journalists ethically responsible for their work regardless of what tools produced it. The article situates the update within a shrinking, increasingly freelance news industry — noting a third of journalists are now freelance or self-employed — and describes the yearlong deliberation process behind the revision.
