About

PCLI, one of SPJ’s largest pro chapters, hosts two signature events: an annual Holiday Party in December and the PCLI Media Awards, which honors the best in local journalism.
The club was founded in 1974 in response to a reporter who was jailed for failing to reveal a source. The club’s first president, Karl Grossman, says the founders borrowed a media list from Stony Brook University’s university relations department, sent letters to members of the press.
More than 50 journalists showed up for a historic first meeting at the Three Village Inn in Stony Brook. PCLI not only gave journalists a place where they could connect, but more importantly promoted journalism advocacy.
During its first year, PCLI adopted a constitution and operated for several years as an independent organization before joining SPJ.
PCLI Awards and Honors
- 2019, SPJ National Large Chapter of the Year
- 2017, SPJ SPJ Mark of Excellence Award, Freedom of Information
- 2016, SPJ National Large Chapter of the Year
- 2015, SPJ National Large Chapter of the Year, Runner-Up
- 2015, SPJ Mark of Excellence Award, College Outreach
- 2015, SPJ Region 1 Chapter of the Year
- 2014, SPJ National Large Chapter of the Year, Runner-Up
- 2014, SPJ Mark of Excellence Award, Freedom of Information
- 2013, SPJ Region 1 Chapter of the Year
- 2001, SPJ National Large Chapter of the Year