WASHINGTON, D.C. - The NAB Education Foundation and The Media Institute are launching the inaugural National Freedom of Speech Week, October 17 - 23.
National Freedom of Speech Week was created to highlight the importance of free speech, a constitutional right that is an essential part of sustaining our democracy. In designating the third week of October as National Freedom of Speech Week, NABEF and The Media Institute hope that organizations throughout the country will also draw attention to the importance of this constitutional right. For ideas on ways to celebrate freedom of speech week, visit www.nabef.org.
National events will include an NABEF luncheon and The Media Institute's annual black tie banquet, both to be held in Washington. The NABEF luncheon, on October 18, will feature a panel discussion at the National Press Club, noon - 2:30 p.m. The Media Institute's banquet will be held on Oct. 19, where an award will be presented in recognition of freedom of speech.
Other organizations participating in the celebration include: American Association of Advertising Agencies, American Bar Association, Americans for the Arts, National Constitution Center and National Endowment for the Humanities. Each will conduct its own activities in celebration of National Freedom of Speech Week.
The National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the public interest in supporting and advocating: education and training programs, strategies to increase diversity, initiatives stressing the importance of the First Amendment, community service, philanthropy, and other timely broadcasting issues.
The Media Institute is a nonprofit research foundation specializing in communications policy and First Amendment issues. The Institute advocates and encourages freedom of speech, a competitive communications industry, and excellence in journalism. For more information, visit the Institute's Web site at www.mediainstitute.org.
###
