NH Journalist Foley to be Honored by Loeb School

James Foley, the New Hampshire journalist murdered by ISIS forces in Syria last summer, is this year’s recipient of the Nackey S. Loeb First Amendment Award.

Foley, a freelance journalist and videographer who grew up in Wolfeboro, was named recipient of the 12th annual award given by the Nackey S. Loeb School of Communications.

“The Loeb School is honored to recognize James Foley for his work in telling the personal stories of people trapped by war and senseless violence,” said David Tirrell-Wysocki, executive director of the non-profit school. “He gave voice to people in places where there is no free speech or free press, and he gave his life because of it.”

A panel of judges chose Foley from among nominees submitted by the public. The award will be presented posthumously at the Radisson Hotel in Manchester on Nov. 12.

The evening event will feature an address by Donald Trump, who joins a notable group of national figures who have donated their appearances on behalf of the school.

The First Amendment Award was established to honor New Hampshire organizations or residents who protect or exemplify the liberties granted in the First Amendment.

Foley had reported from Iraq and Afghanistan and was kidnapped in Libya for 44 days in 2011. His work appeared in Stars and Stripes and GlobalPost, among others. He went to Syria in 2012 to report on conditions there and was taken by militants at Thanksgiving that year. His parents, Dr. John and Diane Foley of Rochester, did not hear from him for more than a year. He was executed in August of this year, becoming the first American civilian to be brutally killed by Islamist fanatics called ISIS (Islamic State in Iraq and Syria).

Nackey Loeb, the late president and publisher of the Union Leader Corp, founded the school in 1999 to promote understanding and appreciation of the First Amendment and to foster interest, integrity and excellence in journalism and other forms of communication.

More than 7,000 people have participated in the school’s media-related classes, workshops and other events.

Funds raised at the enable the Loeb School to continue offering free classes and low-cost workshops on topics including the First Amendment, journalism, social media, public relations, public speaking and photography.

Tickets are available at www.loebschool.org or by calling the school at 627-0005.

Submitted text.