Provided by Marion B. Brechner in memory of her husband Joseph L. Brechner. The Brechners are known for their strong commitment to freedom of information. They established this fellowship to provide opportunities for student journalists learning about freedom of information, access to information and other similar First Amendment issues that remain at the heart of journalism and mass communications education.

Joseph Brechner, who died in 1990, was the founder and business owner of WFTV Channel 9 in Orlando. Marion Brechner is president of Brechner Management Co., which owns television and radio station in Maryland.