First Amendment – Media & Communications Policy

May 29, 2026May 28, 2026 By Stuart N. Brotman

The Comfortable Fiction of Campus Neutrality

University presidents love to say that their institutional values are clear. It is a comforting claim, and an increasingly hollow one.

The pattern has become familiar. A university adopts a policy that touches on expression. Faculty or students object, arguing it chills speech or signals exclusion. Administrators insist the policy is content-neutral and procedural. Critics point out that no policy lands in a vacuum. The administration expresses concern, perhaps apologizes, and promises dialogue. A committee may be formed. The underlying tension goes unresolved.

May 21, 2026May 20, 2026 By Michael O'Rielly

TMI Embraces Too Much Information

For many of us, The Media Institute – an esteemed forum for convening, debating, and defending the First Amendment’s protections for American media – is affectionately known as “TMI.” In an acronym-heavy town, could that be confused with the slang meaning, “Too Much Information”?

Probably not. But even if it were, the label would still fit in context: The Institute champions the media industry’s access to and right to disseminate a broad range of information.

March 17, 2026March 17, 2026 By Stuart N. Brotman

The Most Patriotic Thing Broadcasters Can Do for America’s 250th

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr announced his “Pledge America Campaign” in mid-February, urging broadcasters to air “patriotic, pro-America programming” in celebration of America’s 250th birthday this July 4. Among his suggestions: starting each broadcast day with “The Star-Spangled Banner” or the Pledge of Allegiance.

I have a better idea.

Before the anthem plays, before a single note of John Philip Sousa is aired, broadcasters should put 45 words on the screen – the words of the First Amendment. It would be the most patriotic thing they could do for America’s Semiquincentennial, and perhaps the most necessary.

February 17, 2026February 16, 2026 By Stuart N. Brotman

It’s Time for Patriots To Declare Themselves ‘Free Expression Warriors’

As America 250 unfolds this year, it’s a sure bet that the term “patriot” will be used more frequently to describe the brave fighters of the American Revolution and those who have followed in modern times.

In the past few years, that description has taken on multiple meanings, often viewed through ideological lenses. Historically a term of national unity, “patriot” is now frequently used as a wedge to separate “true” Americans from those with differing political views.

February 1, 2026January 27, 2026 By Michael O'Rielly

Why I ‘Chose’ The Media Institute

Career paths can be carefully mapped or unexpectedly presented. In this case, the role called me. Late last year, it became clear that The Media Institute (TMI) – an organization I admire for its honorable mission and pivotal functions – needed a new leader, as its legendary head, Rick Kaplar, was ready to reduce his workload.

At that point, my hand reflexively rose to help steer TMI’s future, alongside an able Board of Trustees, with the respectful goal of preserving its high notes while addressing any shortcomings. To be clear, my aim is to maintain TMI at its current level of effectiveness while recognizing the demands of a changing media environment. The historic time and energy invested in TMI’s triumphs deserve no less.

December 9, 2025December 8, 2025 By Guest Author Gary Shapiro

Why Innovation Needs the First Amendment

Our American democracy and our freedoms have long been models for others. For some 250 years, our ability to argue, debate, clash, and ultimately come together has not been a weakness – it has been our superpower!

The First Amendment was the first improvement to our Constitution for a reason. It ensures not only that we speak, but that we can hear one another.

Free speech is America’s secret sauce. It has fueled our economy, expanded opportunity, and made us the most innovative nation in history.

September 18, 2025October 22, 2025 By Adonis Hoffman, Esq.

The Future of Conservative Media

The slaying of conservative activist and media personality Charlie Kirk as he spoke at a campus rally in Utah was a tragedy on many levels: the wrenching of a devoted family man from his wife and young children; the fatal silencing of a speaker in a nation where freedom of speech is a constitutional guarantee; and a manifestation of the increasingly brutal partisanship gripping this country.

This senseless killing also has drawn newfound attention to the environment in which Charlie Kirk thrived – the catalyst that propelled him to the forefront of a movement, making him a hero to millions and a public figure to all: conservative media.

July 24, 2025July 23, 2025 By Stuart N. Brotman

Let’s Not Create a Self-Censorship Wave in Comedy

Stephen Colbert’s recent announcement that he has been terminated from hosting The Late Show on CBS has been met with confusion and anger by millions of his fans. The press announcement indicated that the cancellation, effective in May 2026, was the result solely of financial losses for the top-rated series.

But there remains a larger fear that a contributing factor was to punish Colbert’s sharp political jokes that frequently slung arrows at the Trump administration, versions one and two. Put simply, both removing Colbert and eliminating The Late Show entirely after he departs may have a more lasting impact on other comedians now on air or in the future.

June 26, 2025June 25, 2025 By Guest Author Anna Gomez

Government’s Unprecedented Threat to the First Amendment

Our current political moment poses challenges unlike anything I thought I would face as an FCC Commissioner. This Administration has been on a campaign to censor and control since, well, before day one. And since day one the FCC has been implementing the will of this Administration and undermining the First Amendment at every turn.

The First Amendment has protected our fundamental right to speak freely and to hold power to account since 1791. It is foundational to our democracy. Today, the greatest threat to that freedom is coming from our own government.

March 13, 2025March 13, 2025 By Guest Author Curtis LeGeyt

Local Broadcasters Need Level Playing Field To Compete, Innovate, Serve the Public

America’s broadcasters are beacons of our democracy. Every day, they exercise their First Amendment right to report, inform, and help citizens understand the issues that affect their daily lives.

And let’s face it: This is a challenging time to be a broadcast journalist. As the truth competes with falsehoods on social media and political polarization gets the headlines, exercising our First Amendment right to inform the public and provide the facts has never been more challenging – or essential.