KPA, KAB join in 'Think First' campaign

The Kansas Press Association and the Kansas Association of Broadcasters have joined 20 other states in the "Think F1rst" campaign.

The campaign was created by the Media of Nebraska as a response to a civics survey taken by the Annenberg Public Policy Center, that revealed that nearly 4 in 10 students couldn’t name even one of the five freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment. Media of Nebraska members worked together to outline a campaign to combat these disturbing statistics.

After “Think F1rst” debuted in Nebraska in 2018, the dedicated websitewww.ThinkFirstAmendment.org attracted over 400,000 page views within 60 days. The group is now allowing other states to use the campaign - free of charge.

Allen Beermann, executive director of the Nebraska Press Association, said, “We felt so strongly about the importance of this message that the respective foundations of the Nebraska Press Association and Nebraska Broadcasters Association agreed to pay for the new creative to be used across the country. Preserving the First Amendment has now become a joint effort.”

The creative elements of the campaign were created by Clark Creative Group of Omaha, which also made an in-kind contribution to the production costs.

Fred Clark, President of Clark Creative Group said, “The creative approach for the Think F1rst campaign was a strong collaboration between Media of Nebraska and Clark Creative Group. We thought it was important to represent ‘We the People’ in this important campaign and we are thrilled to see ‘Think F1rst’ spreading across America.”

KPA members will be emailed the ads by Friday. The ads can be used in both print and digital editions of member publications. While participation is optional, all KPA members are encouraged to do their part in helping educate Americans about the First Amendment and their rights afforded under it.

"The KPA is proud to partner with the KAB to help combat the dismal statistics about knowledge of one of the fundamental tenants of the Bill of Rights - the First Amendment. We have a vested interest in having an educated readership," said Emily Bradbury, KPA executive director.

The campaign will air on radio and television stations, in newspapers and the websites and social media platforms of those same participants that opt to carry the messages, from Aug. 1 through Dec. 31, 2019.