Free Speech TV is a BIPOC-led, independent, non-partisan media network.
Powered by our viewers, FSTV is one of the last standing national, independent news networks committed to advancing progressive social change. As the alternative to television networks owned by billionaires, governments and corporations, our network amplifies underrepresented voices and those working on the front lines of economic, environment and racial justice.
Free Speech TV airs 24/7 with daily news programs like Democracy Now! and The Thom Hartmann Program, weekly current affairs series like Gay USA and Economic Update, award-winning documentaries, and special coverage of events and movements like Netroots Nation, Bioneers and the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival.
FSTV reaches 40 million US homes via DISH, DIRECTV, local cable affiliates, Sling TV, Roku, Apple TV, Alexa, Amazon Fire, social media and www.freespeech.org. Free Speech TV’s national audience is loyal, passionate, and engaged, with viewer support experiencing strong growth over the past five-plus years.
Free Speech TV is owned and operated by Public Communicators, Inc., a 501(c)3 non-profit, tax- exempt organization. FSTV is funded primarily by its viewers with some support from philanthropic foundations. FSTV is commercial-free, but they do accept underwriting sponsorships from socially screened companies and non-profits. Free Speech TV is based in Denver, CO.
Free Speech TV empowers an informed and active citizenry to build a more just, equitable world.
Free Speech TV was launched in 1995 as part of an effort to provide a larger platform for progressive perspectives on television. Founded by John Schwartz and co-founded by Jon Stout, Free Speech TV evolved from the popular The 90’s cable and PBS show and The 90’s Channel, a network of seven full-time cable channels dedicated to independent media.
The network’s pioneering efforts in streaming media online won it accolades such as a 1998 Streamers Award and a 1999 Webby Award.
In January 2000, Free Speech TV became a full-time channel on DISH Network, bringing truly independent reporting to a national audience. Following the World Trade Center tragedy on September 11, 2001, Free Speech TV helped launch the television premier of Democracy Now!, which remains one of the network’s most popular shows.
Since then, Free Speech TV has launched on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Sling TV, Google Nexus, Alexa, and many community access channels across the U.S.
Organization name
Free Speech TV
other names
Public Communicators, Inc.
1995
Tax id (EIN)
51-0173482
Category
Civil Rights, Social Action & Advocacy, Arts, Culture & Humanities, Public & Societal Benefit
Organization Size
Large Organization
Address
2900 WELTON STUS