The Emergence Of Professionalism As A Defining Element In The Early Years Of The Society Of Professional Journalists(1909-1949)

The Society of Professional Journalists was founded in 1909,its foundation being driven by a new emphasis on journalistic education and professionalism prevalent in American culture at the turn of the 20 th century.These primary accomplishments included;the transition from an honorary to a professional membership base,the vetoing of secrecy as an element of their recruitment policy,and growing emphasis on the role of professionalism,fully materialized in 1922,within the conceptual framework of the organization.Other important landmarks of the SPJ's early years included the fixing of its administrative construction,the development of The Quill,improved systems for networking,the development of competitive awards,the development of more efficient systems for effectively circulating internal feedback,and the adaptation of Dewey's educational vision to the development of journalistic academia,placing emphasis on principles of empiricism.However,due to myopic views,such as a lack of academic vision,the lagging development of a thorough ethical foundation,and inability to effectively enforce ethical principals,there still exist issues to cloud the SPJ's many uplifting contributions.When considered from an historical standpoint,the SPJ emerges as an indispensable and meaningful branch of journalism having both protected related interests as well as promoted a culture of professionalism within journalistic acadamia.it failed to be completely activated by the conceptual acumen of contemporary social sciences.A more flexible and positive construction is needed to enhance the organization's activity and influence the professionalism of journalism more powerfully.