FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel To Deliver Keynote Remarks at Nov. 14 Event
FOR RELEASE: September 13, 2012
Contact: Richard T. Kaplar
The Media Institute
703-243-5700
Arlington, Va., Sept. 13, 2012 – The Media Institute will bestow awards on Clear Channel Communications CEO Bob Pittman and Electronic Arts CEO John Riccitiello at its annual Friends & Benefactors Awards Banquet Nov. 14 at the Fairmont Hotel in Washington, D.C.
Pittman will receive the Freedom of Speech Award, while Riccitiello will receive the American Horizon Award. The master of ceremonies will be communications attorney and former FCC chairman Richard E. Wiley.
Bob Pittman is a media innovator who has served as CEO or COO of MTV Networks, America Online, Six Flags Theme Parks, Quantum Media, Century 21 Real Estate, Time Warner Enterprises, and AOL Time Warner. Prior to Clear Channel he was a founding member of the Pilot Group investment firm. In July, Pittman accepted the Institute’s invitation to head a new Advisory Council for Free Speech Week, which will be celebrated this year Oct. 22-28.
John Riccitiello is CEO of Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), a leading global interactive entertainment software company based in Redwood City, Calif., with annual net revenue of $4.1 billion. EA is known for franchises such as The Sims™, Madden NFL, FIFA Soccer, Need for Speed™, and Battlefield™. The American Horizon Award will recognize Riccitiello’s visionary leadership in promoting the vitality and independence of his industry.
Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) will present the Freedom of Speech Award to Pittman. FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski will present the American Horizon Award to Riccitiello.
FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel will deliver keynote remarks. She was sworn into office on May 11, 2012, after holding legal staff positions in the U.S. Senate and FCC.
The Media Institute is a nonprofit research foundation specializing in communications policy and the First Amendment. For more information, visit the Institute online at mediainstitute.org.