Event Coincides With Nationwide Celebration of Free Speech Week Oct. 16-22

FOR RELEASE: October 18, 2023

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

Vienna, Va., October 18, 2023 – The Media Institute will bestow awards on best-selling author Bob Woodward, associate editor of The Washington Post, 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.  The event will take place at The Four Seasons Hotel in Washington, D.C.

Bob Woodward will receive the Freedom of Speech Award in recognition of his 50-year career in journalism.  He has shared in two Pulitzer Prizes and has received nearly every other major American journalism award.  He has authored or co-authored 21 books, all national bestsellers.  The award will be presented by former Post publisher Donald E. Graham.

Michael Powell leads one of the largest trade associations in Washington, D.C., representing the communications and content industries.  During his time as FCC head (2001-2005), Chairman Powell oversaw the rapid transformation of communications markets into the Digital Age.  Presenting the award will be Nilda Gumbs, NCTA’s chief of staff.

Curtis LeGeyt, president and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters, will be the Featured Speaker at the event.  The master of ceremonies will be noted communications attorney and Media Institute Board Chairman Richard E. Wiley of Wiley Rein LLP.

The “Free Speech America” Gala will be the Institute’s signature event marking Free Speech Week, Oct. 16-22.

Free Speech Week (FSW) is the nationwide annual celebration of America’s constitutional guarantees of free speech and freedom of the press.  The event celebrates these precious freedoms with no political, partisan, or ideological agenda.

Media organizations, schools and universities, civic groups, and various organizations around the country are celebrating free speech in their own ways this week.

The Media Institute created Free Speech Week in 2005 and continues to publicize free speech themes and activities through the FSW website, www.freespeechweek.org.

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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