RTNDA President Barbara Cochran and Cablevision Chairman Charles Dolan Receive Honors at The Media Institute Friends & Benefactors Awards Banquet

Washington, October 11, 2001 – The Media Institute honored Radio-Television News Director Barbara Cochran and Cablevision Systems Corporation Chairman Charles Dolan last night at its annual Friends & Benefactors Awards Banquet at the Four Seasons Hotel in Washington. Cochran was the recipient of the Institute’s Freedom of Speech Award, while Dolan was presented with the American Horizon Award.

The master of ceremonies for the evening was communications attorney and former FCC Chairman Richard E. Wiley. Rep. Fred Upton (R-Mich.), chairman of the House Telecommunications and Internet Subcommittee, served as the event’s keynote speaker. Upton, recalling the terrorist attacks on the United States last month, lauded broadcasters and the media industry for their work in the wake of the tragedy. Upton said that the accomplishments of Cochran and Dolan represent the freedoms America stands for.

“As we celebrate these two outstanding professionals, our presence here, and their work, is a tribute to our open society,” Upton said.

CNN anchor and senior correspondent Judy Woodruff presented Cochran with the Freedom of Speech Award, which is given to an individual whose efforts have helped to advance freedom of expression. As president of RTNDA, Cochran led the organization in its successful campaign to repeal the FCC’s personal attack and political editorial rules. RTNDA also played a major part in convincing the Supreme Court to release its recordings of arguments heard following the 2000 presidential election.

Former FCC Chairman William Kennard presented the American Horizon Award to Dolan. The award recognizes leadership in promoting the vitality and independence of American media and communications. Dolan, who founded HBO in the early 1970s, has made Cablevision one of the nation’s leading telecommunications and entertainment companies.