Tuesday, October 27, 2026
2026 ‘FREE SPEECH AMERICA’ GALA
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!
Jan Neuharth
Freedom Forum
Freedom of Speech Awardee
Jack Abernethy
FOX Television Stations
American Horizon Awardee
Patrick Butler
The Media Institute’s James Madison Fellow
Featured Speaker
Free Speech Week is a yearly, non-partisan celebration of the value of free speech and expression.
Luncheon Speakers
Robert Folliard, Senior Vice President for Government Relations at Gray Media, joined our September luncheon at the St. Regis Hotel to share his views on … Read More »
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Informed and thoughtful commentary on a variety of First Amendment and communications policy issues.
New White Paper by Media Institute’s Stuart N. Brotman Examines Three Digital Proxies and Their Profound Impact on Selfhood and Free Expression
Paper Offers a Five-Principle Policy and Design Framework Defining Human Functions That Cannot Be Delegated to Machines FOR RELEASE: October 26, 2026 Contact: Richard T. Kaplar The Media Institute [...]
Freedom Forum Trustee Barbara Wall and Political Strategist Mo Elleithee To Present Awards at Media Institute’s ‘Free Speech America’ Gala on Oct. 27
Jan Neuharth, Chair & CEO of Freedom Forum, and Jack Abernethy, CEO of FOX Television Stations, To Be Honored FOR RELEASE: October 13, 2026 Contact: Michael O’Rielly The Media [...]
Media Institute Announces Freedom Forum Chair Jan Neuharth And FOX Television Stations CEO Jack Abernethy Will Receive Awards at ‘Free Speech America’ Gala
Distinguished Media Veteran Patrick Butler Will Be Featured Speaker at Oct. 27 Event FOR RELEASE: August 24, 2026 Contact: Michael O'Rielly The Media Institute 703-506-8030 Vienna, Va., August 24, [...]
The Institute participated with the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and other media groups recently in the following friend-of-the-court briefs and letter.
Patrick D. Maines
President Emeritus, The Media Institute
1943 – 2025
A Tribute to Media Institute Board Chairman Richard E. Wiley
Recipient of The Media Institute’s Lifetime Achievement Award
October 29, 2024