FIRE launches six-figure free speech campaign with primetime college football ad

WASHINGTON – October 11, 2023 – Today the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, the nation’s leading pro-free speech organization, announced a six-figure ad campaign to raise awareness and support for protecting freedom of speech for all Americans.

The campaign features a two-minute sports-themed ad that will air nationally on NBC during the primetime USC vs. Notre Dame college football game on Saturday, October 14 at 7:30 pm ET. 

The ad, which can be viewed here, takes a humorous approach to the issue: It shows two football announcers talking while a player — the star quarterback — takes a knee at midfield. One of the announcers, a liberal, initially supports his actions while the other, a conservative, criticizes him. The script flips when the player starts voicing support for religion and the unvaccinated. 

The ad’s message demonstrates that, while fans’ and viewers’ political opinions differ drastically, their commitment to a culture of free speech shouldn’t. While we can disagree on things like National Anthem protests, the ad suggests we should all come together around our shared value of free speech — regardless of the speaker's politics or beliefs. The ad’s end card says, “Free speech is for everyone, no matter what team you’re on,” while a voiceover tells viewers to “join the free speech movement.”

WATCH AD: Free Speech is for Everyone, No Matter What Team You’re On

“We can disagree with each other about our favorite sports teams — sometimes loudly, until we’re red in the face — without demanding that those we disagree with be silenced,” said FIRE Executive Vice President Nico Perrino. “That spirit of free expression should extend beyond sports, too. Free speech is fair play: we must defend everyone’s right to speak, regardless of what ‘team’ they’re on. That’s what this campaign is all about.”

To be connected with FIRE spokespeople about this campaign, or about our free speech work more broadly, please contact Tony Franquiz at franquiz@longwellpartners.com.