2024 First Amendment Award Honorees Announced
The Nackey S. Loeb School of Communications announces its 2024 First Amendment Award honorees to be celebrated on Thursday, October 24, at 4 PM at the Loeb School’s location inside the NH Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College. The First Amendment Award, from the Nackey S. Loeb School of Communications, honors New Hampshire individuals or groups who stand out in their defense of, or their use of, the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. For the first time, this award will be shared by two honorees.
· The Rochester Voice: This digital news outlet, led by Harrison Thorp, is being recognized for its pursuit of government transparency. Thorp challenged the City of Rochester under the Right to Know law, receiving repeated denials based on where he lives. Thorp continued his fight, leading to a landmark ruling affirming his rights as a journalist. The Rochester Voice’s efforts underscore the vital role of the press in holding local government accountable and ensuring public access to information.
· Arlene Quaratiello: Honored for her defense of free speech, Quaratiello fought back after her dismissal from the Dudley-Tucker Library in Raymond. Her termination, following her support for political candidates outside her work and hometown, raised significant First Amendment concerns. After a lengthy battle, a consent decree was reached, affirming her right to engage in political activities outside work. Quaratiello’s case highlights the importance of protecting the free speech rights of public employees.
The Quill and Ink Award from the Nackey S. Loeb School of Communications is not given annually but reserved to honor significant contributions to the education of Granite Staters about the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. This year it will be given to The Clock at Plymouth State University. This student-run newspaper is being honored for its commitment to transparency and accountability in covering the University’s Student Government Association (SGA). When the SGA attempted to hold meetings without press coverage, The Clock fought for its right to cover the proceedings and encouraged students to demand access. Through advocacy and respectful dialogue, The Clock secured a compromise, with the SGA agreeing to livestream meetings. This year’s award underscores the essential role of student journalism in fostering an informed campus and bringing campus news to a larger community.
In addition to the awards program, the event also features a keynote presentation with C-SPAN’s outgoing CEO, Susan Swain, and incoming CEO, Sam Feist speaking about the 45-year legacy of C-SPAN's unfiltered, commentary-free coverage of U.S. government proceedings. Swain and Feist will share insights on the network's mission of unbiased journalism and the critical role of fact-based reporting in promoting civic engagement and combating misinformation. Their conversation will be moderated by the Loeb School’s President Joseph McQuaid.
The 2024 First Amendment Award event is presented with support from the School’s donor community. This year, supporters include Eversource, The Brodsky Prize for Excellence in Student Journalism, CCA Global, AT&T, Bank of America, The Elliot/Solution Health, The McQuaid Family, Spectrum Marketing, Saint Anselm College’s Institute of Politics, Betty Tamposi, Union Leader Corporation, AARP-NH, Anagnost Companies, The Bernstein Shur Group, Business & Industry Association, Catholic Medical Center, Curbstone Financial Management, Pamela Diamantis and Morey Goodman, Douglas, Leonard & Garvey, P.C., Fidelity Investments, Joyce and Daniel Levesque, Louis Karno & Company Communications, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, New Hampshire Beverage Association, Northeast Delta Dental, Sheehan Phinney, Wash Street, and Wieczorek Insurance. Donor opportunities are still available. Learn more by contacting the School.
Tickets for this event are available at the School’s website. The First Amendment Awards serve as the primary fundraiser for the Nackey S. Loeb School of Communications, supporting its mission to promote and defend the First Amendment and foster interest, integrity and excellence in journalism and other forms of communication by educating students of various ages and providing them with the tools and knowledge to improve their skill. Learn more about the School at loebschool.org.