2013 Banquet Photos

Sen. Gordon Smith (right), president and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters, receives the American Horizon Award from Rep. Greg Walden at The Media Institute’s Friends & Benefactors Awards Banquet on Oct. 22, 2013, in Washington.

Josh Sapan (left), president and CEO of AMC Networks, receives the Institute’s Freedom of Speech Award from long-time friend Brian Lamb, executive chairman of C-SPAN.

Noted First Amendment attorney Floyd Abrams offers a salute to free speech and the First Amendment. The Friends & Benefactors Awards Banquet was the Institute’s premier event celebrating Free Speech Week, Oct. 21-27.

Commissioner Mignon Clyburn, acting chairwoman of the Federal Communications Commission, was the evening’s featured speaker.

Josh Sapan offers remarks after receiving the Freedom of Speech Award.

Gordon Smith delivers remarks upon accepting the American Horizon Award.

Master of Ceremonies Dick Wiley set a lively tone for the evening.

Towanda, Trina, and Tricia Braxton of “Braxton Family Values” on WE tv were among the evening’s guests, and helped celebrate Free Speech Week (which was taking place Oct. 21-27).