Washington Tradition Returns In Person to Four Seasons Hotel on Oct. 19

FOR RELEASE: August 2, 2023

Contact: Richard T. Kaplar
The Media Institute
703-506-8030

Vienna, Va., August 2, 2023 – The Media Institute will honor best-selling author Bob Woodward and former FCC chairman Michael Powell, President and CEO of NCTA–The Internet & Television Association, at its annual “Free Speech America” Gala on Oct. 19.

Bob Woodward will receive the Freedom of Speech Award, while Michael Powell will receive the American Horizon Award.  The master of ceremonies will be noted communications attorney and Media Institute Board Chairman Richard E. Wiley of Wiley Rein LLP.

The Gala will return in person to The Four Seasons Hotel in Washington, D.C., for the first time since 2019, following three years in virtual format because of the pandemic.

Bob Woodward is an associate editor of The Washington Post, where he has worked for 50 years.  He has shared in two Pulitzer Prizes, first in 1973 for coverage of the Watergate scandal with Carl Bernstein, and second in 2002 as lead reporter for coverage of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.  He has authored or coauthored 21 best-selling books, including All the President’s Men.

Michael K. Powell is President and CEO of NCTA–The Internet & Television Association, one of the largest trade associations in Washington, D.C., representing the communications and content industries.  He is a former chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, where he oversaw the rapid transformation of communications markets into the Digital Age.

Master of Ceremonies Dick Wiley is Chairman Emeritus of Wiley Rein LLP and is a former FCC chairman.  He serves as Chairman of the Board of The Media Institute.

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

The “Free Speech America” Gala is The Media Institute’s signature event celebrating Free Speech Week, Oct. 16-22, 2023.

Information about sponsorship opportunities can be found on The Media Institute’s website at https://www.mediainstitute.org/2023-free-speech-america-gala/.

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

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