Legacy Includes Free Speech Week, Emphasis on Emerging Technologies
FOR RELEASE: March 6, 2025
Contact: Richard T. Kaplar
The Media Institute
703-506-8030
Vienna, Va., March 6, 2025 – Patrick D. Maines, who headed The Media Institute during an era of transformative changes in technology, corporate restructuring, and competition within the media world, and who remained true to the principles of free speech and a market-driven communications industry, passed away on March 5, 2025.
Mr. Maines had battled a long illness after retiring from the Institute at the start of 2018. News of his passing was reported by his daughter.
Mr. Maines joined The Media Institute in 1980 following careers in corporate public affairs and publishing in New York City. He became President and CEO in 1983, a position he would hold for 34 years. Upon his retirement, the Institute’s Board of Trustees bestowed upon him the title of President Emeritus. He was only the second president in the history of the nonprofit organization, founded in 1979.
Under Mr. Maines’s leadership, The Media Institute became a prominent voice in support of three guiding principles: a strong First Amendment, a competitive communications industry, and excellence in journalism. In 2005 the Institute launched National Freedom of Speech Week (now Free Speech Week), the first-ever commemorative week in honor of free speech.
“Patrick Maines was the driving force in the evolution of The Media Institute even as the media industry itself was undergoing radical change,” said Institute President and CEO Richard T. Kaplar. “We are deeply saddened by his passing and offer our condolences to his wife, Diana, and their family. Patrick’s legacy will continue to have a lasting impact.”
For more information about The Media Institute, visit www.mediainstitute.org.
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