Here's a letter from President Reagan that opens the report, which was issued in 1984 to cover UPI's 1983 business year:
Since the founding of this nation, freedom of the press has been a fundamental tenet of American life. Economic freedom and freedom of speech or assembly would have little meaning or be totally nullified should freedom of the press ever be ended. There is no more essential ingredient than a free, strong, and independent press. If we are to continue successfully in what Thomas Jefferson called our "noble experiment" in self-government.
Today, we celebrate the seventh-fifth anniversary of one of the greatest institutions of our free press, the United Press International. Through the years, UPI has been one of the leading collectors and disseminators of news and information from around the world. That is a most valuable service, for the knowledge you assemble and your unhampered pursuit of the facts are the lifeblood of every nation of the free world. As a former radio announcer who used what was then the newly-launched UP wire, I am especially proud and honored to join in commemorating this event.
Congratulations on reaching this milestone. You have my every wish for your continued success in the years ahead.
Signed: Ronald Reagan