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Special
Programs
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& Benefactors Awards Banquet - 1997 |
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The Friends & Benefactors Awards Banquet is
an Institute event held every fall that presents two awards to deserving
individuals. The American Horizon Award recognizes leadership in
promoting the vitality and independence of American media and communications.
The Freedom of Speech Award recognizes an individual who has made
important contributions to the advancement and protection of free
speech.
From left, Robert Decherd, Freedom of Speech Award recipient; Richard M. Schmidt, Jr., Media Institute Patrick Maines, and American Horizon Award recipient Eddie Fritts. |
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On Wednesday, October 29, friends and sponsors of The Media Institute gathered at the Four Seasons Hotel in Washington to honor Eddie Fritts of NAB and Richard M. Schmidt, Jr. Edward O. "Eddie" Fritts, president and CEO of the National Association of Bro adcasters, was the recipient of The Media Institute's 1997 American Horizon Award. Richard M. Schmidt, Jr., general counsel of the American Society of Newspaper Editors, received the Institute's Freedom of Speech Award.
Special guest Rep. Billy Tauzin (R-La.), chairman of the House Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and Consumer Protection, appeared as the featured speaker. Communications attorney and former FCC chairman Richard E. Wiley served as master of ceremonies.
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Eddie Fritts, now in his 15th year as NAB head, received the American Horizon Award in recognition of his leadership in promoting the vitality and independence of American media and communications. See Eddie Fritts' speech.
Richard M. Schmidt, Jr., of counsel to the Washington law firm Cohn and Marks, has served as general counsel of ASNE since 1969. The Freedom of Speech Award recognizes his contributions to the protection and advancement of free speech and a free press in that role. See Richard Schmidt's speech.
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From left to right: James H. Quello, former FCC Commissioner; David Fiske, Deputy Director for Public Policy, FCC; William Kennard, incoming FCC Chairman. |
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From left to right: Rep. Billy Tauzin (R-La.); Robert Okun, vice president, NBC; Eddie Fritts, American Horizon Award. |
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Jack Valenti, chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association of America, presented the American Horizon Award to Fritts. Geneva Overholser, ombudsman of the Washington Post, presented the Freedom of Speech Award to Schmidt.
The Media Institute is an independent nonprofit research organization specializing in communications policy. Through publications, conferences, and filings with courts and regulatory bodies, the Institute advocates a strong First Amendment, competition within the communications industry, and journalistic excellence.
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Last Modified:
October 24, 2002 - 11:00 ET
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