Freedom Forum Launches Multichannel Advertising Campaign: “Brought to You by the First Amendment”

First Amendment Nonprofit Behind the Newseum Takes Message on the Road with $2M Awareness Initiative

Washington, D.C. (October 21, 2024) — Freedom Forum, the nation’s foremost advocate for First Amendment freedoms, today launched “Brought to You by the First Amendment,” a $2 million dollar advertising campaign raising awareness for the everyday freedoms made possible by the First Amendment.

The campaign, which is launching during Free Speech Week, kicks off on October 21 with a “Life Without 1A” news takeover on USA TODAY’s homepage, among other platforms. Readers who visit the newspaper’s website encounter the news disappearing, leaving the reader with a blank page and the words “life without 1A” – a disruptive stunt to kick off the campaign. The news will then reappear with a banner ad that reads, “Freedom of the press. Brought to you by the First Amendment.”

The campaign will also debut a powerful video celebrating free expression set to Jon Batiste’s “Freedom” and a voiceover from the Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II.

“The goal of the ‘Brought to You by the First Amendment’ campaign is to ignite a growing appreciation for the First Amendment by creatively illustrating how it applies to Americans’ everyday lives,” said Doug Neil, chief digital officer at Freedom Forum. “Through a steady drumbeat of digital and television ads, influencer and user-generated content engagements, strategic partnerships and events, the campaign aims to highlight the modern-day relevance of the foundational freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment.”

Since closing the Newseum — a museum dedicated to news, journalism and free expression — in 2019, Freedom Forum has expanded its nonpartisan mission to raise awareness of First Amendment freedoms. Still based in Washington, D.C., but with a new national focus, Freedom Forum is uniquely positioned to make an even bigger impact through in-person and digital programs that educate, engage and inspire.

Despite divisiveness and polarization, Americans remain united in their support of the First Amendment with 93% agreeing that it is vital. However, many take for granted or misunderstand what it guarantees. In collaboration with award-winning advertising agency LUDWIG+, “Brought to You by the First Amendment” will bring to life the five freedoms with vivid, real-world depictions of religion, speech, press, assembly and petition, demonstrating how central they are to the American experience.

Through a partnership with the Florida Association of Broadcasters, Freedom Forum will air a collection of “Brought to You by the First Amendment” ads on TV, radio and digital platforms in major media markets in Florida from October 2024 to March 2025.

About Freedom Forum

Established on July 4, 1991, by USA TODAY founder Al Neuharth, Freedom Forum’s mission is to foster First Amendment freedoms for all. Freedom Forum works to raise awareness of First Amendment freedoms by educating, engaging and inspiring people, sharing the stories of Americans who have exercised their rights to ignite change. Freedom Forum is a nonpartisan 501 (c)(3) foundation that advances First Amendment freedoms through initiatives including the Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference, the Al Neuharth Award for Excellence in the Media, the Free Expression Awards, First Amendment reporters, Today’s Front Pages, Where America Stands and 1A Fest.

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