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Free Speech and Unfree News: The Paradox of Press Freedom in America
  • Date: Monday, April 04, 2016
  • Time: 4:00 pm
  • Location: William G. McGowan Theater, Washington, DC

Does America have a free press? Many who answer “yes” cite First Amendment protections that shield the press from government censorship. But in Free Speech and Unfree News, a comprehensive history of American press freedom, Sam Lebovic shows that, on its own, the right of free speech has been insufficient to guarantee a free press and compels us to reexamine assumptions about what freedom of the press means in a democratic society.

A book signing will follow the program. Purchase this book on the day of the event from the myArchives Store and receive a 15% discount (members get 20% off).

This program is presented in conjunction with the National Archives’ Amending America exhibition in the Lawrence F. O’Brien Gallery. Amending America is presented in part by AT&T, HISTORYⓇ, the Lawrence F. O’Brien Family, Seedlings Foundation, and the National Archives Foundation.

All public programs at the National Archives are free and streamed live online via the National Archives’ YouTube channel. Reservations are recommended; seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. The doors to the building will open 45 minutes prior to the start of the program. Use the Special Events entrance on the corner of Constitution Avenue and 7th Street, NW. Click here for more information on getting to the National Archives and parking.Live captioning will be available online and in the William G. McGowan Theater. If you require an alternative or additional accommodation for an event (such as a downloadable transcript or a sign language interpreter), please send an email to public.program@nara.gov or call 202-357-5000 in advance.