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.

Institute President Patrick D. Maines is flanked by Freedom of Speech awardee James Kennedy (left) and American Horizon awardee Ralph Roberts (right).

October 23, 2002 - The Media Institute honored Cox Enterprises, Inc.,

Ambassador Young presents the Freedom of Speech Award to Cox Enterprises, Inc., Chairman and CEO James Kennedy

Chairman and CEO James Kennedy and Comcast Corporation Chairman Ralph Roberts at its annual Friends & Benefactors Awards Banquet at the Four Seasons Hotel in Washington. Kennedy was honored with the Freedom of Speech Award, while Roberts received the American Horizon Award.

Ambassador Andrew Young presented Kennedy with the Freedom of Speech Award,

Journalist Charlie Rose presents the American Horizon Award to Comcast Chairman Ralph Roberts

which is given to an individual whose efforts have helped to advance freedom of expression. As chairman and chief executive officer, Kennedy has played a central role in making Cox one of the nation's premier journalism and information organizations.

Journalist Charlie Rose presented the American Horizon Award to Roberts. The award recognizes leadership in promoting the vitality and independence of American media and communications.

FCC Commissioner Kathleen Abernathy, the evening's keynote speaker.

A pioneer in cable television, Roberts's visionary leadership has contributed greatly to the growth and success of the cable television industry.

The master of ceremonies for the evening was communications attorney and former FCC chairman Richard E. Wiley. FCC Commissioner Kathleen Abernathy was the evening's keynote speaker.