The First and Essential Freedom

A Peabody Award to ABC News for its incisive look at the greatest of all American freedoms-the right of the news media of this nation to present the news freely and fairly. In The First and Essential Freedom, the evolution of the First Amendment has been shown in its historical context from its beginnings before 1776 to the present time. Written and produced by James Fleming under the guidance of executive producer, Thomas Wolf, the program made the public’s right to know the dominant issue. With the excellent narration by Frank Reynolds and Sam Donaldson, The First and Essential Freedom brought ABC viewers an answer to the question: “What’s in it for you and for me?” The answer: “Almost everything.” For a distinguished effort with values for all Americans, the Peabody Board recognizes ABC News for The First and Essential Freedom.