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EASTON -- The Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association has announced that state Rep. Robert L. Freeman is the recipient of the 2023 Advocate of the Year award, which recognizes his "dedicated leadership and outstanding advocacy for the Pennsylvania news media industry," the news release said.
Rep. Freeman is being recognized for "his continuing and distinguished service in the House of Representatives on behalf of all Pennsylvanians," PNA President William M. Cotter said in the release.
"PNA has worked with the representative on matters critical to news media organizations, among them public notice and issues related to the government access, transparency and accountability so essential to a healthy democracy," he said.
Freeman, who is a Northampton County Democrat representing the 136th District, has served in the Pennsylvania House since 1999, his second tour of legislative service, according to the release. He also previously served as a state representative from 1983 to 1994.
According to the release, Freeman is chairman of the House Local Government Committee and previously served on the Labor Relations, Environmental Resources and Energy and state government committees. He is the current first vice chair of the bicameral, bipartisan Local Government Commission of the Pennsylvania General Assembly.
"Rep. Freeman's deep appreciation for the news media industry and his willingness to collaboratively solve critical issues has led to many successful pieces of legislation," Cotter said.
Previous Advocate of the Year recipients are Pennsylvania Democratic U.S. Sen. Robert P. Casey Jr., state Rep. Kerry A. Benninghoff, R-Centre/Mifflin, and state Sen. Patrick J. Stefano,R-Bedford/Fayette/Somerset/Westmoreland, according to the release.
PNA is the statewide trade association for print and digital news organizations.