28 Jul Fallen Journalists Memorial Foundation Honors the Life and Legacy of Wallis Annenberg, Chair, President, and CEO of the Annenberg Foundation
July 28, 2025 (Washington, D.C.) – The Fallen Journalists Memorial Foundation issued the following statements in remembrance of Wallis Annenberg, former Chair, President, and CEO of the Annenberg Foundation. Ms. Annenberg’s death in Los Angeles was announced today by her family.
“Wallis Annenberg enthusiastically helped launch the Fallen Journalists Memorial,” said Fallen Journalists Memorial Foundation Founder and Chairman, David Dreier. “Like a laser she said we must remember photojournalists. She is missed but we’re surrounded by the products of her great contributions. Our memorial will be one more example.”
“Wallis Annenberg and The Annenberg Foundation have been all-important in our efforts to build the first memorial on the National Mall dedicated to press freedom and to the journalists who have lost their lives while pursuing the news,” said Barbara Cochran, President of the Fallen Journalists Memorial Foundation. “Wallis’s unwavering belief in our mission and her generous support have been essential to our progress as we move closer to building this memorial. We are deeply grateful for her lasting contributions and enduring legacy in support of journalism and so many important causes.”
ABOUT THE FOUNDATION
The Fallen Journalists Memorial Foundation was authorized by Congress in December 2020 to build a memorial on federal land in Washington, D.C. to commemorate America’s commitment to a free press by honoring journalists who have sacrificed their lives in service to that cause. The foundation is led by the past Chairman of the Tribune Publishing Company and former U.S. Representative David Dreier, as well as former news executive and journalism professor Barbara Cochran. With seed funding from the Annenberg and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundations, the foundation is supported by numerous leaders from all segments of the journalism community who serve on its Board of Advisors, including editors and publishers, news anchors, and photojournalists. Learn more about the Fallen Journalists Memorial and how to support this work at www.fallenjournalists.org and follow us at @FJMemorial.
Media Contacts:
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