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2026 Freedom of the Press Awards

The Freedom of the Press Awards return Oct. 14 to celebrate leaders in journalism and media law.
A blue and silver graphic for the 2026 Freedom of the Press Awards featuring a comic microphone.

The 2026 Freedom of the Press Awards will be held on Oct. 14, 2026, at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York.

Support the Freedom of the Press Awards

Please see our sponsorship brochure to reserve and/or purchase sponsorships, tables, tickets, and advertisements, or to make a donation in support of the 2026 Freedom of the Press Awards.

2026 Honorees

The 2026 Freedom of the Press Award winners are:

Career Achievement Award
Norman Pearlstine, journalist
Michele Norris, Senior Contributing Editor, MS NOW; Founding Director, The Race Card Project; Host, Your Mama’s Kitchen podcast

Catalyst Award
The Marshall Project

Local Champion Award
trina reynolds tyler, Data Director, Invisible Institute

Pro Bono Service Award
David A. Schulz, Director, Yale Law School Media Freedom and Information Access Clinic

Event Chairs

James A. Attwood, Jr., Senior Advisor, The Carlyle Group
Steven R. Swartz, President and Chief Executive Officer, Hearst

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