The Ethics in Journalism Award has been presented annually since 1996. The award honors Chicago area reporters, editors or news organizations thatdistinguish themselves in journalism by performing in an ethical and sensitive manner. The Society of Professional Journalists' Code of Ethics defines ethical conduct.

The award honors courageous journalists who take personal risks by taking a stand or refusing to follow the pack. It's for those who struggle to do the right thing, possibly against intense pressure. It's for the story behind the story: how we conduct ourselves while covering the news.

"We know there are good, ethical journalists out there," says Casey Bukro, Headline Club ethics committee chair. "We're just trying to find them and recognize them."

Established in 1921, the Chicago Headline Club is the largest chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. Its members work to promote ethical conduct, raise the bar for reporting standards, recognize excellence, encourage young journalists, advance the cause of freedom of information and enhance the prestige of the profession.

The Headline Club proudly sponsors the Peter Lisagor Awards for Exemplary Journalism, the Watchdog Award for Excellence in Public Interest Reporting, an annual High School Journalism Contest and its Lifetime Achievement Awards.