FAF names James W. Schwartzel the winner of the 2023 Pete Weitzel Friend of the First Amendment Award

ORLANDO, FL – The First Amendment Foundation has named James W. Schwartzel, president of Sun Broadcasting, as the recipient of the 2023 Pete Weitzel Friend of the First Amendment award in recognition of his stand to the Florida legislature on behalf of free speech and the media. 

“By being the first conservative news station owner to oppose legislation that would have made it easier for the rich and powerful to sue their critics in Florida, Jim stood up to defend the rights of the press and free speech of all Floridians,” said Bobby Block, executive director of the First Amendment Foundation, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that defends the provision of the first article of the U.S. Bill of Rights.

“Jim’s courage paved the way for other broadcasters, politicians and opponents to criticize the move. Many were initially reluctant to oppose a bill that had the governor’s blessing. But the public outcry stirred by Jim ultimately led to the proposed law stalling and dying in the House and the Senate. Because of his outspoken defense of freedom, we are pleased to name Jim, Friend of the First Amendment.

HB991 and its Senate counterpart would have turned Florida into the libel tourism destination of the United States. It would have frozen public debate and free speech, impacting not just the traditional print and broadcast media, but all media across the political spectrum, including social media, book publishing, entertainment programing, and even theater and satire.

Schwartzel’s willingness to speak out was critical to marshaling widespread opposition to these unconstitutional efforts.

The award was presented to Schwartzel on June 6 at a ceremony in Orlando.