Freedom Forum Institute > Press Info > Press Releases
Aug 30, 2017
(WASHINGTON) – The Freedom Forum, the foundation that is the creator and primary benefactor of the Newseum, has launched a strategic review of the priorities it funds to fulfill its mission to champion the First Amendment as a cornerstone of democracy.
The goal of the review will be to ensure that the Freedom Forum will be able to continue and increase its efforts to support the First Amendment and educate people across the nation and around the world about the value of these bedrock freedoms.
As part of its review process, the Freedom Forum, the owner of the Newseum building, has retained counsel to review any and all available options regarding the building, including how the building and its various sections are utilized, full and partial sale/leaseback scenarios, joint ventures or additional condominium structures for shared use, and a possible outright sale of the landmark building located on Pennsylvania Avenue between the White House and the Capitol. The Newseum will remain open during the strategic review process.
“The First Amendment is under assault as never before. We want to be sure our programs are aligned with our mission to be First Amendment advocates in this environment,” Jan Neuharth, chair and chief executive officer of Freedom Forum, said. “Our goal is to find ways to further advance the educational programs and advocacy opportunities of both the Freedom Forum and the Newseum, and to examine how we responsibly and financially sustain this effort.”
The Freedom Forum’s Board of Trustees voted to embark on a review around the following priority areas:
The Freedom Forum Institute is the education and outreach partner of the Freedom Forum and the Newseum. The Institute includes the First Amendment Center, the Religious Freedom Center, the Newseum’s education department and diversity and inclusion programs. The Freedom Forum Institute’s affiliate organizations include the Al Neuharth Media Center at the University of South Dakota; the Overby Center for Southern Journalism and Politics at the University of Mississippi; and the John Seigenthaler Center at Vanderbilt University. The Freedom Forum Institute is a 501(c)(3) public charity funded by generous individuals, corporations and foundations, including its principal funder, the Freedom Forum.
The Freedom Forum, based in Washington, is a nonpartisan foundation dedicated to promoting, explaining, celebrating and defending the First Amendment through education, conferences, programs and scholarships. The Freedom Forum was established July 4, 1991, under the direction of founder Al Neuharth, as successor to a foundation started in 1935 by newspaper publisher Frank E. Gannett. The Freedom Forum is not affiliated with the Gannett Co. Its work is supported by income from an endowment of diversified assets.
Jeff Eller
202-292-6236
[email protected]
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