Friends To Liberty
4/30/2025
Over recent years, a number of recurring themes have emerged across the global community. Based on that experience, and dialogue among likeminded leaders who share principles and a passion for enabling change that leads more free, secure, and prosperous sovereign nations, we have a list a set of common challenges and responses with the intent that this helps guide participants in their own efforts, encourages collaboration, furthers networking, and new actions and initiatives.
We as the Friends To Liberty work to empower and enable those committed to change. Our focus is in four areas:
(1) develop the ends, ways, means and courage to lead and govern as a conservative;
(2) develop the capacity for good governance;
(3) have the means to compete in the information and cultural space, not devolving into propaganda or content management or restricting free speech but simply having the capability to tell people honestly who you are;
(4) Build an independent, thriving, civil society-that can’t be silenced by the left and not dependent on the party, the government, or elite interests, that can engage critical elements of
the society, particularly youth,
(5) Leverage the strength, support, wisdom, and courage of a global movement and the networks of a likeminded community that knit it together. Our goal is action not talk with a list of specific activities and objectives to turn beliefs into realities. This list imparts no obligations on any person, organization, or participant in the dialogue to support or engage in any activities. The tasks below are identified by the participants as impactful. There is no expectation that every organization or individual will participate or support every action item—each according to their abilities and interests. This is a “menu” for the dialogue. Individuals and organizations will decide for themselves which
initiatives are of value to them.
1. Get the Message Out. One area of deeper effort we identified was the importance of collaborating on expanding the conservative global media voice, specifically
a) Expanding content sharing and collaboration among conservative media organizations; b) building a network of conservative influencers and content creators across various platforms; and c) expanding networks to spread content.
2. Expand Regional and Global Networks. Creating resources and connectivity to enable exploiting the opportunities to engage, learn, leverage, cooperate and collaborate in conferences; professional development; developing skills, knowledge and attributes and attributes; and tapping into public speakers and experts.
3. Engaging Youth. Empowering the next generation act now, in concert with this generation.
4. Empower the Global Diaspora. A free nations citizens should have a voice in their homeland, regardless of where they are. They should be engaged, informed and empowered.
5. Reinforce the Cause for Change. Identify and support where people are working transformational change. Prioritize joint effort where it is both most needed and will be most impactful.
6. Build Expertise and Capacity on the Common Issues for the Movement.
Challenges we all face including:
a) delivering sensible energy and environmental policies that lead to abundant, reliable, affordable energy,
b) battling woke,
c) combating law fare, suppression of free speech, and political repression,
d) meeting the challenge of China,
e) delivering on the good life, economies that give people the opportunity to enjoy the fruits of their labor,
f) fight antisemitism and antizionism and other threats to religious liberty,
g) oppose mass illegal migration, and
h) education reform that empowers individuals for the lifetime pursuit of happiness and a purpose-driven life.
Readout: Workshop on Conservative Media and Culture
Readout: Media, Culture and Competition
Washington, DC—Sept. 2, 2025
Over recent years, a number of recurring themes have emerged across the global community. Based on that experience, and dialogue among likeminded leaders who share principles and a passion for enabling change that leads to more free, secure, and prosperous sovereign nations, we seek to encourage collaboration, further networking, and new actions and initiatives. We, as the Friends To Liberty, work to empower and enable those committed to change.
Our focus is in five areas:
(1) develop the ends, ways, means and courage to lead and govern as a conservative;
(2) develop the capacity for good governance;
(3) have the means to compete in the information and cultural space, not devolving into propaganda or content management or restricting free speech but simply having the capability to tell people honestly who you are;
(4) build an independent, thriving, civil society-that can’t be silenced by the left and not dependent on the party, the government, or elite interests, that can engage critical elements of the society, particularly youth,
(5) leverage the strength, support, wisdom, and courage of a global movement and the networks of a likeminded community that knit it together.
This workshop focused on the experiences of conservatives in the media and journalism space discussing how to succeed in crafting narrative, reaching audiences, and sustainable business practices.
The Conservative Ecosphere
There appears to be a correlation between the success of alternative conservative media, rising political influence and thriving traditional values. It is not all good news. The conservative media and culture space faces many challenges. In general, conservative voices lag in the cultural space, particularly art—classical painting, sculpture, opera, and ballet), but also in popular culture (such as film, music, and fiction). Nevertheless, conservatism is a growing force across the Western Hemisphere and Europe which still represent in many ways a common civilization space. Yet, Western conservativism is defined by lack orthodoxy and significant diversity. Further, the political, cultural, legal, and economic challenges vary greatly. Thus, the path to success in the media and cultural space is defined by particularism, some platforms, for example, developed by “trial and error,” others advanced with deliberate intentionality and a detailed understanding of their audience, competition, and obstacles to growth.
Succeeding with Conservative Media
Several media outlets were citied as both success in building audience and influence.
They include:
JUNGE FREIHEIT (https://jungefreiheit.de/). While not new, it is increasingly influential. Covering politics and culture is described as politically conservative, right-wing, and nationalistic and the "ideological supply ship of right-wing populism" in Germany.
NIEUWRECHTS (https://nieuwrechts.nl/cookies?redirect=https:%2F%2Fnieuwrechts.nl%2F) a conservative Dutch media platform.
EXXPRESS.AT (https://exxpress.at/) Founded in March 2021, describes itself as a "conservative-liberal digital media outlet" and news website, closely linked to the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ).
IL GIORNALE (https://www.ilgiornale.it/) still one of the main center-right national media outlets.
FORMICHI (https://formiche.net/). Italian multi-media platform.
LE FIGARO (https://www.lefigaro.fr/en) has successfully transformed into a modern multimedia platform. Launched in 2014, FigaroVox is an online platform for debates and conservative ides.
L'INCORRECT (https://lincorrect.org/) is magazine and online platform focused mainly on culture.
VISEGRAD 24 (https://www.visegrad24.com/) founded in 2020 as a Central European news aggregator, it is described as a challenge to “the ideological filters shaping modern Western discourse and defend the moral, social, and cultural values now under siege by post-Marxist, woke, and hyper-secular agendas.” The site has a very strong social media presence on X at Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24).
LOTUSEATERS (https://www.youtube.com/@ThePodcastoftheLotusEaters/videosutube) Includes an eclectic mix of news and culture (https://www.lotuseaters.com)
THE FEDERALIST (https://thefederalist.com/) a web magazine that focuses on politics, culture, and religion.
THE FREE PRESS (https://www.thefp.com/ ) an Internet-based media company founded by journalist Bari Weiss that pioneered the use of Substack as a for profit media platform.
REPUBLICA (https://republica.com/) online multimedia platform including regional newsletters on South America and the Caribbean. Case Studies
Here are three case studies that describe different paths to finding an influential audience and financial independence and stability.
Trial and Error.
The European Conservative (https://europeanconservative.com/). Started as a newsletter and grew into a physical magazine and then a multimedia publishing platform,(a Hungarian conservative English-language publication registered in Budapest, Hungary, with an editorial office in Vienna, Austria, and news offices in Brussels, Belgium and Rome). As the leading pan-European English-language thought journal, the organization grew with the European conservative movement. Rather than affiliate with a specific political ideology or party, The European has broadly inclusive, built readership, business partners, and affiliations through networks and adopted emerging technologies in the media space to expand its reach.
The business plan targeted achieving financial stability and independence, reinvesting income into growth of staff and capability. The management team paired intellectual, journalistic, and management expertise with physical presence, as activists frequently engaging in conservative conferences and functions.
Deliberate Transformation. The Daily Signal (https://www.dailysignal.com/) founded as the journalistic outlet of the think tank the Heritage Foundation, it grew into an independent media outlet. Growth was planned on financial stability to ensure independence. The Daily Signal strategy was to identify and dominate an unfilled niche in crowded alternative conservative media space. A strategic advantage of their model is pairing with a research foundation that provides expertise, authors, sources and leads to deliver timely, authoratative, and cutting-edge news often overlooked by main stream media. The strategy includes distribution on multiple platforms and multiple formats (e.g. podcasts, videos, etc) to go where the audience is and expand the demographic reach across the conservative movement—targeting not a segment of conservatives but the diversity of the U.S. conservative space.
The Lone Ranger. Individual journalists, commentators, and scholars such As Adam Lebor, NS Lyons, and Victor Davis Hanson have established themselves as influential thought-leaders, commentors, and analysts through to ability to find audiences in multiple media platforms. Hanson, for example, has a long-form podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-victor-davis-hanson-show/id1570380458) and appears in short-form videos for the Daily Signal (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9uqz-RvFo4) in addition to his many media appearances and best-selling books. Adam Lebor’s work spans journalism, history, fiction, and popular culture and his active social media (https://x.com/adamlebor?lang=en). NS Lyons’ Substack (https://substack.com/@theupheaval) has over 50 subscribers. All have skillfully demonstrated the prolific ability to deliver timely, relevant content: be effective in multiple formats in a manner that highly accessible to a broad conservative audiences; and pair with institutional affiliations such as The Danube Institute (https://danubeinstitute.hu/) and the Daily Signal to increase their outreach and networking.
Crossover from Media to Culture
Compared to the ever expanding ranks of alternative conservative media, progress in breaking through in popular culture is a more significant challenge in fields heavily dominated by the left.
Film and popular culture don’t just belong to the woke world. Conservative content creators aren’t walled off in a societal Alamo. It’s time for them to step up and shine. What current audiences want isn’t something that is cartoonishly liberal or conservative—they want entertainment that delivers thoroughly authentic content to help them meet the challenges of everyday life.( https://www.dailysignal.com/2025/07/14/superman-we-need/)
Next Steps?
We propose a spiral development approach focused on four initiatives: a) Identifying content creators and professional development opportunities; b) Promoting establishing networks for content sharing across all platforms; c) Creating opportunities for collaboration; and d) sharing lessons learned.
These efforts could be advanced through: a) promoting collaboration at conservative conferences and forums (not just events dedicated to culture and media); b) finding opportunities to highlight content creators and connect them to new or existing networks; c) establishing and sharing information about professional development opportunities; d) sharing lessons learned.
Please share additional opportunities, initiatives, and suggestions in these areas ([email protected])
Readout: Competing in the Media, Information, and Culture Space
3/18/2025
Over recent years, a number of recurring themes have emerged across the global community. Based on that experience, and dialogue among likeminded leaders who share principles and a passion for enabling change that leads to more free, secure, and prosperous sovereign nations, we seek to encourage collaboration, further networking, and new actions and initiatives. We, as the Friends To Liberty, work to empower and enable those committed to change.
Our focus is in four areas:
(1) develop the ends, ways, means and courage to lead and govern as a conservative;
(2) develop the capacity for good governance;
(3) have the means to compete in the information and cultural space, not devolving into propaganda or content management or restricting free
speech but simply having the capability to tell people honestly who you are;
(4) Build an independent, thriving, civil society-that can’t be silenced by the left and not dependent on the party, the government, or elite interests, that can engage critical elements of the
society, particularly youth,
(5) Leverage the strength, support, wisdom, and courage of a global movement and the networks of a likeminded community that knit it together.
The Conservative Media, Conversation, and Cultural Space
This workshop focused on the media, information-sharing, debate and discourse and culture, with focus on addressing
a) expanding content sharing and collaboration among conservative media organizations;
b) building a network of conservative
influencers and content creators across various platforms; and
c) expanding networks to spread content.
This conversation seems particularly important now in that the global conservative moment is here. At the same time, we find a dramatically increased interest in conservative narratives paired with a persistent, if not increasing effort, to discredit and
silence conservative voices.
Expanding the conservative voice should not be dependent on a particular platform, media, or personality. A proliferation of voices in languages, media, platforms, and
content is more influential, dynamic, vibrant, resilient, and authentic.
Common Challenges In this discussion, and other forums, the most common questions raised are:
What are the key issues that conservatives face in getting their message out?
What are the top challenges in the incubation of content creators and building the pipeline?
How can conservative content creators find mentoring, support, and funding for their projects?
Building a Conservative Talent Pipeline in Film and Media
One significant challenge is having content to share. Conservatives need to invest in building a talent pipeline for content creators. There is a lack of existing institutions compared to the left. There are difficulties and obstacles in attracting young creatives to conservative projects, either outside traditional media or working within Hollywood and other established media institutions. We need multiple models that both find allies in the
industry and create alternatives for independent media.
Content in Media
Conservative content is often difficult to find on mainstream platforms like Netflix and CNN, particularly in Europe.
There is lack of systematic efforts to expand personal networks and operationalize them to aggressively and effectively share content.
Stress the importance of presenting a united front and breaking down barriers within the conservative ecosystem. Modern conservatism is not an orthodoxy. Rather than focus
on a particular segment of the conservative movement (e.g. social or religious issues) or a particular brand of conservatism, we need as a defining goal—open networks that embrace creating space for alternatives to liberal orthodoxy.
Suppression of Free Speech
On a related issue, we have discussed in other forums efforts to suppress conservative voices through content monitoring, lawfare, and de-plat forming. As a group of concerned individuals we should look for opportunities to address these issues with leaders in public and social media as well as highlight concerns and abuses. We will address this more in future discussions.
Models and Lessons Learned
In our discussions we had several presentations of individual efforts. Here we share examples of four completely different models of content creation and distribution. We need a more formal system for sharing these exemplars and others. That said, encourage folks who are interested in benefiting from the experience of others to reach directly to them.
Aaron Lobel ([email protected]) discussed his initiative American
Abroad Media which works in in the Middle East, focusing on partnerships with local media to counter extremism while navigating the challenges of limited freedom of expression. His nonprofit collaborates with credible media in the Middle East to produce programming that resonates with local audiences. He highlighted the complexities of navigating political labels and constraints in the region while fostering partnerships that
can drive significant change. A good network opportunity could be the AAM 12th Annual Awards Dinner, May 8th 2025,https://www.americaabroadmedia.org/ Questions:[email protected] What’s interesting is Aaron is driving this initiative in a region that does not have a large traditional politically conservative
audience, yet in parts of the world where conservative voices are much stronger we don’t seem to have similar partnership content creation from the U.S. non-profit sector.
Thomas Pack ([email protected]) is the program director at Palladium Pictures. He stressed the importance of changing culture through film and media, advocating for a conservative talent pipeline to nurture young filmmakers. It is worth looking at some of the content Tom’s team has produced in cooperation with the Wall
Street Journal such as their documentary film on the Crown Heights Riots or on the fall
of Prime Minister Liz Truss. Here is more on the content creator development program
which provides an incubator for young documentary filmmakers. The approach is not to
promote overtly conservative political content but to foster strong, compelling story
telling with positive messages. The number one request we hear from aspiring content
creators is the desire for more programs like this.
William Owens shared his experiences as a poet and artist, discussing the significance of small-scale initiatives in reaching audiences and maintaining artistic expression. He emphasized the importance of leveraging technology to distribute work and the potential for collective efforts among artists to counter dominant narratives. Owens
utilizes various networks, including music services and video content, to share his poetry of faith. He is active on several platforms including Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, X, and Instagram. He argues creators often have to find their audience by
delivering content on multiple platforms, building their own community and networking,
while acknowledging this approach requires a lot of dedication, time, and effort.
Weshould use our networks to help bring attention to creators who are doing interesting work.
Mandi Hart ([email protected]) works with Moore Productions.
They practice more conventional content development. Here is link to content about one of their projects on Coptic martyrs. She discussed recent film projects and funding challenges for conservative content creators and the need for collaboration to bridge
cultural divides. Mandi added that her production company is exploring public funding opportunities in Europe for conservative narratives. Often not recognized is that much of the cost in content creation is in finding the audience, an effort that can consume a good deal of time and money and it’s a different skill set than producing the content.
Next Steps?
We propose a spiral development approach focused on three initiatives: a) Identifying
content creators and professional development opportunities; b) Promoting establishing
networks for content sharing across all platforms; c) Creating opportunities for
collaboration.
These efforts could be advanced through:
a) promoting collaboration at conservative
conferences and forums (not just events dedicated to culture and media);
b) finding
opportunities to highlight content creators and connect them to new or existing
networks;
c) establishing and sharing information about professional development
opportunities;
d) sharing lessons learned.
Please share additional opportunities, initiatives, and suggestions in these areas ([email protected])
'Remember Charlie Kirk. Fight for what is right.' - Tyler Bowyer, TPUSA