Tuesday, October 27, 2026
‘Free Speech America’ Gala
Join Us As We Salute
Free Speech and Press in American Democracy
This year’s “Free Speech America” Gala returns to the elegant Four Seasons Hotel in Washington, D.C., on October 27, 2026. Guests will socialize with friends and colleagues at the opening reception and then enjoy gourmet cuisine and fine wine at dinner in the Four Seasons ballroom, followed by award presentations. Be a part of this memorable evening!
Freedom of Speech Award Recipient Jan Neuharth is Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Freedom Forum, a nonpartisan, nonprofit foundation dedicated to fostering First Amendment freedoms for all. Previously, Jan practiced law in Los Angeles, worked on Capitol Hill for Senate Minority Leader Howard Baker, and conducted political polling for Louis Harris in London. She is committed to educating and inspiring people to use their First Amendment freedoms.
American Horizon Award Recipient Jack Abernethy has served as Chief Executive Officer of FOX Television Stations since 2004, overseeing Fox Corporation’s 28 owned-and-operated stations in some of the nation’s largest television markets. Under Jack’s visionary industry leadership, FOX stations have more than doubled while gaining a reputation for successful local programming, with nearly 1,000 hours of local news every week.
The evening’s Featured Speaker will be Patrick Butler, whose distinguished media career has included leadership positions with America’s Public Television Stations, The Washington Post Company, Newsweek Productions, Times Mirror, and Pew Research Center. Previously, he served with distinction in U.S. Senate and White House staff positions. He is The Media Institute’s James Madison Fellow, specializing in First Amendment initiatives.