Retired Gannett chairman and USA Today newspaper founder Al Neuharth used the proceeds to found the Freedom Forum.
[3] Over the next decade, the organization undertook several global initiatives to honor journalists and advance free press, including a television segment and a media studies center.
[3][7] On April 18, 1997, the Freedom Forum opened the Newseum in Arlington, Va., to help the media and the public understand each other better with news-related artifacts, interactive exhibits, theaters, engaging programs and an education center.
[9][3] Honorees include journalists, activists, athletes, politicians, attorneys, clerics, media executives and others who have made a difference by exercising their First Amendment freedoms.
[6] The project's goal is workplace integrity, defined as "environments free of harassment, discrimination and incivility, and filled with opportunity, especially for those who have traditionally been denied it.
Respondent answers to more than 200 questions provide a deep and detailed picture of how people agree and differ on the relevance today of the freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly and petition guaranteed by the First Amendment.
[15] The Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference is an annual opportunity for high school juniors to receive a $1,000 college scholarship.
"[16] Free Spirit alumni include journalists working for The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Baltimore Sun, ESPN and network-affiliated TV stations.
"[9][4] Its guest speakers and award recipients have included Tim Cook, Ava DuVernay, John Lewis, General Colin Powell, Pussy Riot, Eric Treene, and Judy Woodruff.
Photographs in this online exhibit examine three specific areas: the early political career of Sen. Edward Kennedy from 1958 to 1969; the events of Freedom Summer in 1964; and his coverage of historic moments and extraordinary people.
[21] Freedom Forum has a team of First Amendment educators and lawyers to provide expert commentary and editorials[22] along with a Council of Advisors and Board of Trustees.