FCC Commissioner Michael O’Rielly To Deliver Keynote Remarks at Oct. 24 Event

FOR RELEASE: July 9, 2018

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

Arlington, Va., July 9, 2018 – The Media Institute will honor veteran TV journalist Chris Wallace, anchor of “FOX News Sunday,” and media pioneer Cathy Hughes, founder and chairperson of Urban One, Inc., at its annual Friends & Benefactors Awards Banquet Oct. 24 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Washington, D.C.

Chris Wallace will receive the Freedom of Speech Award, while Cathy Hughes will receive the American Horizon Award. The master of ceremonies will be communications attorney and former FCC chairman Richard E. Wiley.

Chris Wallace joined FOX News Channel in 2003. In 2014, he marked his 50th year in the broadcasting industry. During his tenure at FOX, Mr. Wallace has participated in coverage of nearly every major political event and has also secured several high-profile interviews with dignitaries and U.S. leaders, including President Donald Trump and President Barack Obama.

Cathy Hughes heads the largest African-American owned-and-operated broadcast company in the nation. She grew what was then Radio One into a multi-media company that became an urban radio market leader with more than 60 stations across the country. Today, Urban One, Inc. includes subsidiaries in cable TV, radio syndication, digital media, and marketing.

FCC Commissioner Michael O’Rielly will deliver keynote remarks. Commissioner O’Rielly was sworn into office in 2013 and again in 2015 for a new term. He had served as a staff member in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. Commissioner O’Rielly is recognized for his efforts to update and modernize FCC regulations.

The Freedom of Speech Award recognizes an individual who has worked to advance free speech and the First Amendment. The American Horizon Award recognizes an individual for visionary leadership in the communications industry.

The Media Institute is a nonprofit research foundation specializing in communications policy and the First Amendment. For more information, visit the Institute online at www.mediainstitute.org.

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