WASHINGTON, DC.- Eight major news media companies and families today announced that they will give $52 million to the building of the new Newseum on Pennsylvania Avenue. Each of the donors will become a founding partner of the Newseum, and major galleries/venues will bear their names.

They are the following: • The New York Times — Ochs-Sulzberger family, $10 million, Great Hall of News (atrium); • News Corporation, $10 million, News History Gallery; • The Greenspun family of Las Vegas, $7 million, Terrace on Pennsylvania Avenue; • NBC Universal, $5 million, Interactive Newsroom; • Time Warner, $5 million, World News Gallery; • Hearst Corporation, $5 million, Power of News Theater; • ABC News/Walt Disney Company, $5 million, Changing Exhibits Gallery; and • The Pulliam family, $5 million, Great Books Gallery.

"We believe these generous gifts will strengthen significantly the Newseum's efforts to help people understand the importance of the First Amendment and a free press," said Charles L. Overby, chairman and CEO of the Newseum and the Freedom Forum.

The Newseum, scheduled to open in the fall of 2007, is a $435 million project located next door to the Canadian Embassy and across Pennsylvania Avenue from the National Gallery of Art and the museums of the Smithsonian Institution.

"This is the most ambitious effort ever to educate the public about the First Amendment and the important role of a free press in society," said Alberto Ibargüen, chairman of the Newseum's executive committee and president of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. "This broad base of support underscores the importance of the Newseum’s mission."

Overby said he expects other companies and families interested in news media and First Amendment issues to give another $50 million before the end of 2007 as part of the $100 million capital campaign.