Félix Gutiérrez, senior vice president of the Freedom Forum, a journalism organization that focuses on First Amendment issues and diversity, has been chosen to speak for the 32nd annual Frederick S. Siebert Lecture.

Gutiérrez’ lecture, “One Freedom, Many Voices?” will be held at 4 p.m. today in Gold Rooms A and B at the Union.

The Siebert Lecture series, which began in 1968 in honor of the then director of the School of Journalism, provides an annual forum about freedom of the press and the First Amendment.

James Spaniolo, dean of the College of Communication Arts and Sciences, said speakers for the Siebert Lecture are chosen based on their level of commitment to journalism. He said he is excited about having Gutiérrez speak at MSU.

“He has got a good topic, and I think everyone will be interested in what he has to say,” he said. “He will make people think, and that’s what’s most important.”

Stephen Lacy, director of the School of Journalism, said Gutiérrez has been very active in journalism education throughout his career.

Gutiérrez has authored books on cultural changes in the media and was dean and a journalism professor at the University of Southern California and at California State University-Northridge. He has also covered news for the Los Angeles bureau of The Associated Press.

“The objective is to raise discussion on important issues related to First Amendment and freedom of the press,” Lacy said. “It will be an educational lecture for people who are important in the field of communication and share their views and stimulate thought and discussion.”

The lecture, which is free and open to the public, is co-sponsored by the School of Journalism, the Michigan Press Association, The State News and the MSU Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies.

Camille Spencer