From our country’s beginning, the right of the press to challenge the government, root out corruption and speak freely without fear of recrimination has been central to our democracy.
Through accurate newsgathering and reporting journalists risk their lives to keep the public informed and shine light on the many challenges our nation faces today.
In celebration of the First Amendment, join us as we highlight the important work of local radio and TV stations, broadcast network partners and community and national newspapers to provide the most-trusted news to our communities.
First Amendment advocate and NAB President Gordon H. Smith shares his views on the importance of freedom of the press:
First Amendment Shines Through During Toughest of Times
(Sept. 25, 2020)
Founding Fathers Got It Right on Press Freedom
(October 8, 2018)
Copy and use the posts below on social media to show your support for the freedom of speech and the press.
I stand with those who celebrate freedom of speech and of the press. #FirstAmendment #Celebrate1A
Thank you to our trusted journalists who bring us the truth without fear or favor. #Celebrate1A #FirstAmendment
Thank you to those working to hold local officials and citizens accountable, to find the answers and to seek justice. This has never been more important. #Celebrate1A #FirstAmendment
Sept. 25 marks the passage of the First Amendment. By enshrining the right to a free press, our Founding Fathers showed that journalism was necessary to our democracy’s survival. That is worth celebrating. #Celebrate1A
The First Amendment was passed by Congress 231 years ago. The right to a free press and freedom of speech has never been more important. Thank you, broadcast journalists! #Celebrate1A
I am a seeker, a truth teller and a defender of freedom. I am proud to be a journalist. #Celebrate1A #FirstAmendment
We are working to hold officials and citizens accountable, find answers and seek justice. I’m proud to work in broadcasting. #Celebrate1A #FirstAmendment
Broadcast TV and radio is where Americans turn for trusted information. As we celebrate First Amendment passage, I’m proud to be shining a light on corruption, standing up for the little guy and keeping Americans safe. #Celebrate1A
Sept. 25 marks the passage of the First Amendment. By enshrining the right to a free press, our Founding Fathers showed that journalism was necessary to our democracy’s survival. That is worth celebrating. #Celebrate1A
Our Founding Fathers understood that democracy could not survive without the freedom to report the news without fear or favor. This principle is still our guiding light. #Celebrate1A #FirstAmendment
Use the Facebook #FirstAmendment frame to celebrate the passage of the First Amendment on Sept. 25 and beyond. To find this frame, select your profile photo in Facebook, select "Upate Profile Picture," and select the "Add Frame" option and search for #FirstAmendment to add this frame to your profile photo.
Sample Image
Of the people, for the people. Share videos on your website or social media developed NAB. Click here to download an MP4 version to post on your social channels, or directly share the video from YouTube.
Walk with us through history as we showcase how journalists have exercised their First Amendment rights, most notably freedom of the press, to provide the most trusted news impacting our lives.
Embed This Interactive Timeline on Your Website or Blog
To use this timeline on your own website or blog, please click here to download the embed code and paste it on your site where you would like the timeline to appear. This timeline may be updated with additional key moments, but they will automatically show up in your embedded version.
NAB is pleased to provide radio and TV spots for broadcasters available in English and Spanish. Click here to preview and download the spots for airing on your station.
Click here to download First Amendment talking points for on-air editorials.
This site is brought to you by the National Association of Broadcasters. We advocate for the nation's radio and television broadcasters.
