Groups and Schools Around Country Will Recognize Free Speech and Press

FOR RELEASE: >October 14, 2010

Contact: Richard T. Kaplar
The Media Institute
703-243-5700

Arlington, Va., Oct. 14, 2010 – National Freedom of Speech Week (NFSW) is set to kick off next Monday, Oct. 18, and will run through Sunday, Oct. 24.  A wide variety of media organizations, schools, universities, and community groups are poised to conduct activities aimed at recognizing the importance of freedom of speech.

The week-long commemorative event, now in its sixth year, seeks to raise awareness of free speech and free press throughout the country in all segments of the population.

Participating media groups range from national trade associations to local newspapers and television stations.  Among prominent media “Partnering Organizations” are the National Cable & Telecommunications Association, and the National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation.

Colleges and universities from all parts of the country are participating in greater numbers as well.  NFSW gives professors an opportunity to bring discussions of free speech and the First Amendment into their classrooms and to campus-wide audiences.  The week has proved especially popular with professors of communications and law.

Media outlets, schools at all levels, and civic groups can join the celebration by registering online at the NFSW website, freespeechweek.org.  There is no charge to register.  The NFSW site also includes ideas on how to celebrate and information about prior years’ activities.

The Media Institute serves as coordinator and clearinghouse for the event.

On Wednesday, Oct. 6, The Media Institute got an early jump on National Freedom of Speech Week with its annual Friends & Benefactors Awards Banquet in Washington, D.C.  The Institute presented its Freedom of Speech Award to Kyle E. McSlarrow, president and CEO of the National Cable & Telecommunications Association, for his and NCTA’s support of National Freedom of Speech Week.

National Freedom of Speech Week is intended to be a unifying celebration of free speech, bringing people together regardless of politics or ideology.  Its goal is to raise public awareness of First Amendment rights, rather than advance any political or policy agenda.

Information about The Media Institute can be found at www.mediainstitute.org.