Fast Forward Films this week launched Free Press, Free Country, a campaign to educate Coloradans about the critical importance of strong, independent journalism in a democracy. The Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition is serving as the fiscal sponsor and as an adviser for the project.
9NEWS anchor Kyle Clark introduced the initiative on his Next program Thursday evening, showing viewers a short video about the First Amendment narrated by recent Colorado College graduate Jessica Duran. He plans to show additional segments each Thursday through early November, when 9NEWS will air a documentary focused on Colorado journalists at work.
“For years here on Next we have recommended journalism and other work that is not ours, but I think is worth your time,” Clark said. “For the next 12 weeks, we’re actually going to air some of it here. It is a project called Free Press, Free Country, a series of shorts put together by Coloradans who are determined to prove to Americans that journalism is not partisan, it’s patriotic — an accessible explanation and defense of the First Amendment and what it means for us as Americans.”
A news release from Fast Forward Films describes Free Press, Free Country as “a comprehensive program, including many different media tools designed to engage the public throughout the year. A social media campaign will lead users to a library of short-subject educational media. These media literacy videos will introduce viewers to an easily digestible, single-subject journalistic concept on how to be better news consumers.”
The one-hour documentary planned for November will profile several Colorado journalists around the state “on the job, in an up close and personal point of view, as they dig into the issues, investigate wrongdoing, and hold governments and people of power accountable.” Following the broadcast premiere, the film will be shown around the state at community screenings where audience members can ask questions of participating journalists.
“This is a critical time to be reminding Coloradans about the importance of a free and independent press for everyone, even when it’s from a point of view where you don’t agree,” said Fast Forward Films producer Brian Malone.
Tim Ryan, who retired as news director of 9NEWS in 2024, also is involved in the project.
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