25 Years of Free Spirit: Carrying Al Neuharth’s Vision Forward  

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference, an annual program that inspires 51 high school students — one from each state and the District of Columbia — to pursue careers in journalism and multimedia storytelling.   

Named for my father, Freedom Forum and USA TODAY founder Al Neuharth, the conference continues his legacy of creating opportunities for young people of all backgrounds and viewpoints. Throughout Al’s career, he encouraged aspiring journalists to be “free spirits” who “dream, dare and do,” believing that if “they can dream it, they can do it.”  

From a focus on print and broadcast news when the program launched in 2000 to new forms of digital media today, the program has stayed true to Al’s vision: to inspire free-spirited young journalists to pursue careers in journalism and multimedia storytelling.   

The Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference has educated and inspired more than 1,700 students, many of whom have become prize-winning journalists and media industry leaders. In a recent conversation with Freedom Forum, New York Times Atlanta Bureau Chief Rick Rojas reflected on the impact of meeting Al at the conference: 

“He was this old-school newspaper man with a relentless pursuit of the story and competitive spirit. You could tell he was tough — by no means a pushover — and that he pushed hard to meet his goals and make things happen. I appreciated that, even as a young person. [In this field], you have to be tough, you have to be resilient, and you have to know your purpose — and that’s something he clearly brought to his work and his mission.”  

Each year, the conference brings the First Amendment to life through expert-led sessions, newsroom tours and conversations with leading journalists. This year, the students will hear from CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer, recipient of the 2026 Al Neuharth Award for Excellence in the Media, who will share insights from his decades of covering politics and global affairs. A highlight of the week for our family is the Neuharth family session, where we meet with the students and talk about Al’s life and legacy. The students get to learn about the personal side of Al, and it provides us with the opportunity to communicate how much the Free Spirit journalism conference meant to him.  

Reflecting on his legacy at one conference, Al said, “I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve been able to do a number of things that provide opportunities for young people … men and women, all colors, all nationalities …  I’m more proud of that than anything else.”  

As we celebrate this milestone, I invite you to join us in shaping the next 25 years of the Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference. If you know a high school student with a passion for journalism or multimedia storytelling, encourage them to apply. If you are an alum, share how the program shaped your path. If you are a journalist, consider leading a session or serving as a mentor. By investing in these students, we highlight the vital importance of a free press and advance our vision of an America where everyone knows, values and defends the five freedoms of the First Amendment. 

Jan Neuharth is the chair and CEO of Freedom Forum. 

For any questions about the Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference, please email us at [email protected].