The Fair Media Council is introducing intensive communication skill training designed to help solve one of area nonprofits’ greatest challenges: Getting their messages out. Continue reading →

FMC has set two Media Fix Workshops in May and June in Manhattan. The goal of the events is to provide nonprofits and businesses with hands-on training classes where they can learn how to successfully craft story pitches, get access to New York metro area media and have the chance to get into the news.

The first event, “Create the Perfect Pitch,” is Tuesday, May 14 from 8:30-10:30 am at the University Settlement at the Houston Street Center, 273 Bowery Street in downtown Manhattan. During this event FMC Executive Director Jaci Clement will teach participants the step by step process on how to pitch your story to the New York media.

“So many times I hear how our members and other businesses have a great story but nobody knows about it. This workshop will teach participants how to get their stories heard,” Clement explained.

On Tuesday, June 18, from 8:30-10:30 am at First Republic Bank, 1230 Avenue of the Americas, the workshop is entitled “Get Your News On: Meet and Pitch the Media,” and will focus specifically on taking your business or non-profit to the next level by learning how to get attention from the media and getting your organization in the news. Every time FMC holds one of these workshops, three or four organizations get into the news.

These two events are part of FMC’s Media Fix Workshop Series. To register for either event online, go to ‘buy tickets’ on www.fairmediacouncil.org, call 516-224-1860, ext. 700 or email info@fairmediacouncil.org.

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-Coverage explored Hurricane Sandy, Prescription Drugs, Other Social Issues-

Bethpage, N.Y.- Hurricane Sandy brought to Long Island and much of the Atlantic coast a litany of environmental and personal devastation. However it was the media’s exploration of heroism and rebuilding for the future, in the wake of the storm, which made for compelling and award-winning news coverage.

Dubbed by the Fair Media Council’s (FMC) Executive Director Jaci Clement as “The Year that Changed Long Island,” examples of outstanding storm coverage were featured during this year’s Folio Award ceremony, presented by AT&T, attended by hundreds of journalists, business and community leaders on April 19. The presentation of the Folios by the FMC, are an annual rite that showcases who the public chose as the best in local news and social media.

The awards were presented for stories that impacted the local community in a variety of radio, television, print, online and social media categories. Some of the winning entries this year illustrated the impact of local media, which examined the prescription drug problem, boating safety and issues affecting our local environment and non-profit communities. The FMC presented a record 44 total awards this year, chosen from hundreds entries, by a panel of judges representing a veritable who’s who of business and non-profit leaders across the region.

This year’s prestigious Robert W. Greene Award for Investigative Journalism went to WABC-TV Reporter Sarah Wallace and Photographer Robert Cantwell for their work exposing the unscrupulous work of a local “doctor” who never attended medical school. In the radio category Hofstra University’s WRHU won for Best Newscast, beating out the professionals.

Among the social media winners, the Community Service Folio Award was presented to the “Save the Holtsville Ecology Center Campaign,” which used Facebook to stop the Town of Brookhaven from shuttering the facility, and the Shutterbug Award for best website was presented to FiOS1 News.

A complete list of winners is below.

FMC Folio Awards, presented by AT&T, was held at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury, NY. Ellis Henican, who keynoted this year’s ceremony, presented a mix of serious and light hearted looks at both the past year’s and more recent news events and their coverage.

The WCBS NewsRadio 880 anchor team of Wayne Cabot and Steve Scott were this year’s award ceremony’s co-hosts.  Award presenters included PIX 11′s Frances Rivera and Sukanya Krishnan, Fox 5 New York’s Steve Lacy and Jill Nicolini, WCBS-TV’s Chris Wragge and Mary Calvi, WNBC-TV’s David Ushery and Janice Huff, WABC-TV’s Joe Torres and Amy Freeze, Long Island Business News Editor and Publisher John Kominicki, WLIW’s Jim Paymar, host of the “Long Island Business Report,” and Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano.

“When events such as Hurricane Sandy happen, the public receives a clearer understanding of the terrific and brave work done by our local media. The Folio Awards continue to signify the highest of honors in news and social media, because it is the public who judges the work for its community relevance,” explained Fair Media Council Executive Director Jaci Clement.

Major sponsors for this year’s event include AT&T, Bethpage Federal Credit Union, Briarcliffe College, North Shore-LIJ Health System, and WeiserMazars LLP.

The Fair Media Council (FMC) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that educates businesses, nonprofits and the public to become media savvy. FMC also advocates for quality local news coverage and has about 200 New York Metro area businesses and nonprofits as members. For more information go to www.fairmediacouncil.org, email info@fairmediacouncil.org or call 516.224.1860 or 855.432.4763.

 

FMC Folio Winners 2013

Category A: Television & Radio Entry Categories (includes podcasts & online-only TV/Radio formats)

Continuing News Story in a Regularly Scheduled Newscast

FiOS1 News 1/3/12

Pain Killers: A Prescription for Tragedy

Phil Corsentino, Clare Hickey, Holli Haerr

 

WSHU/NPR 04/12/12

State Struggled at Fire Prevention Ahead of Manorville Blaze

Charles Lane

 

 Robert W. Greene Award for Investigative Journalism in a Regularly Scheduled Newscast

WABC-TV 5/7/12

Phony Doctor

Reporter: Sarah Wallace

Photographer/Editor: Robert Cantwell

 

Feature Story in a Regularly Scheduled Newscast

FiOS1 News 12/7/11

Tie Boy

Phil Corsentino, Jessica Fragoso

 

Spot News Story

WCBS-TV 01/12/12

Teen Hides in Closet

Jennifer McLogan

 

WCBS Newsradio 880 07/5/12

July 4th Tragedy on Long Island

Sophia Hall, Peter Haskell, The WCBS 880 News Team

 

Feature Story – Long Form

WALK 97.5 FM 7/15/12

Island Assignment: Boating Safety

Reporter/Producer: Donna Vaughan

 

MyLITV 6/25/12

GLBT Prom

Reporter: Stephanie Stern

Editor: Waldo Cabrera

 

Science, Health or Environment News

WCBS-TV 04/20/12

Dina’s Miracle

Reporter: Carolyn Gusoff

Photographer/Editor: Joe Garufi

 

WCBS Newsradio 880 5/2012

Bad Medicine: When Painkillers Kill

Irene Cornell

 

Cultural, Artistic, Historical or Religious News

WNBC-TV 3/2/12

Moving TR

Reporter: Greg Cergol

Photographer/Editor: John Albertson

 

Dr. Sean A. Fanelli Award in Educational Reporting

FiOS1 News 4/24/12

Autism: Friends Like You

Phil Corsentino, Jessica Fragoso

 

Economic or Business News

WNBC-TV 1/18/12

A Big Man Turns 93

Reporter: Greg Cergol

Photographer/Editor: Justin Laub

 

WLNY-TV 10/55 07/29/12

Coocoo.com

Richard Rose

 

Editorial or Public Affairs Issues

FiOS1 News 8/2/12

Caution: Baby on Board

Executive Producer: Phil Corsentino, Rich French III

Producer: Don Dudley

Director: Ralph Kebrdle

Writer: Don Dudley

Talent: Richard French III

Photographers: Shawn McMillian, Mike Bruno

Web Designer: Kim Mineo

Editor: Laura McGowan

 

Long Island Exclusive- Hurricane Sandy

FiOS1 News 10/30/12

The Power to Breathe

News Director: Phil Corsentino

Reporter: Kevin Vesey

 

Continuous L.I. Coverage – Hurricane Sandy

WCBS Newsradio 880 10/29, 11/20/12

Hurricane Sandy

Mike Xirinachs, Sophia Hall, The WCBS 880 News Team

 

PIX11 News 11/20/2012

PIX11 Cares: Long Island

Anchor: Sukanya Krishnan

Reporters: Dan Mannarino, Lisa Mateo

News Director: John Houseman

Executive Producer: Howard Dorsey

Senior Producer: Marcia Parris

Producers: Ojinika Obiekwe, Kate Sullivan, Brynne Gadinis, Samantha Neely, Khadia Jonjo, Ed Erlenmeyer

Photographer: Kenton Young

Truck Operator: Victor Lopez

 

WCBS-TV 10/30/12

Sandy Continuous Live

Carolyn Gusoff, Jennifer McLogan

 

Enterprise Reporting

WCBS-TV 05/11/12, 08/3/12 Our Pill Popping Children and The Efforts of Parents and Professionals Who Refuse to Sweep this Under the Rug

Reporter: Jennifer McLogan

Photographer/Editor: Patrick Cronin

 

Consumer Issues News

WRNN-TV 11/13/12

Surveillance Nation

News Director: Phil Corsentino

Talent: Richard French III

Reporter: Kim Lengle

Photographer: Mike Bruno

 

Best Newscast

WRHU-FM 11/16/12

Newsline

Producer/Anchor: Rick Rissetto

Anchor: Shannan Ferry

Engineer: Marisa Spano

 

Specific Issues

Specific Issues are special categories devoted to the most pertinent issues facing Long Island today.

 

Affordable Housing News

WCBS-TV 06/26/12

Abandoned Homes Renovated

Carolyn Gusoff

 

Energy Trends & Innovation News

WCBS-TV 04/2/12

Recycled Rain

Reporter: Carolyn Gusoff

Photographer/Editor: Joe Garufi

 

Transportation Improvements News

MyLITV 2/14/12

Yellow Bus Goes Green

Reporter: Stephanie Stern

Editor: Waldo Cabrera

 

School-to-Workforce News

FiOS News 2/14/12

100 Black Men

News Director: Phil Corsentino

Talent: Mike Stevens

Executive Producer: Clare Hickey

 

Taxes: Accountability News

WCBS-TV 10/5/12

Tax Bill Sticker Shock

Reporter: Carolyn Gusoff

Photographer/Editor: Joe Garufi

 

Affordable Housing Feature Reporting

MyLITV 2/15/12

Connetquot High School & Habitat for Humanity: Building Hope for Local Family

Reporter: Waldo Cabrera

Editor: Waldo Cabrera

 

School-to-Workforce Feature Reporting

MyLITV 3/28/12

7 Habits of Successful Kids

Reporter: Waldo Cabrera

Editor: Waldo Cabrera

 

Impact of Immigration Feature Reporting

WNYC Radio 11/05/12

Immigrants Benefiting from Deferred Action Keep an Eye On Election

Mirela Iverac, Karen Frillmann, Paul Schneider

 

Smart Growth Talk Show and/or Commentary

WLIW 05/01/12

Long Island Business Report

Anchor/Executive Producer: Jim Paymar

Executive in Charge: John Servidio

Producer: Ally Gimbel

Associate Producer: Liz Muentes

 

 

Category B: Newspaper/Magazine Entries (includes online-only newspaper/magazine formats)

 

Cultural, Artistic, Historical, or Religious News

Long Island Press 10/25/12

Westbury Music Fair: And the Round Sound Goes On and On

Contributor: Dave Gil de Rubio

 

Economic, Business or Consumer Issues News

Long Island Press 05/31/12

Hell or High Water

Senior Reporter/Editor-Investigations: Christopher Twarowski

Senior Editor: Spencer Rumsey

 

Enterprise Reporting

Long Island Press 04/05/2012

Clam Wars

Senior Reporter/Editor- Investigations: Christopher Twarowski

 

Social Media Corporate & Media Categories

Media Savvy Business Award: Best use of social media campaign to achieve defined goals

Long Island Restaurant News

Managing Editor: Tara Berkoski

Assistant Managing Editor: Rachel Bosworth

Writers: Heather Girgenti, Britt Ball

 

Twitterati Award: Best Use of Twitter

@NYRANews

New York Racing Association, Inc.

Social Media Specialist: Susie Raisher

 

Video Star Award: Best Use of YouTube.

Long Island Press Video Channel

Long Island Press

 

Buzz Worthy Award: Best use of social media to up the momentum of getting a message into the hands of a target audience.

Long Island Restaurant Week & Hurricane Sandy

Managing Executive: Tara Berkoski

Marketing Coordinator: Heather Girgenti

Public Relations Coordinator: Rachel Bosworth

Advertising Coordinator: Britt Ball

 

Community Service Award: For the best Blog site or Web site devoted to issues of interest to a particular community

Saving the Holtsville Ecology Center Through Social Media

Save the Holtsville Ecology Center

Brookhaven Wildlife Center: Danielle Lloyd

 

e-Philanthropist Award: Best online fundraising campaign that raised in excess of $10,000

Katy’s Courage

Account Executive: Tara Berkoski

 

Shutterbug Award: Best blog or website devoted to chronicling local news.

FiOS1 News Long Island Website

FiOS1 News

News Director: Phil Corsentino

Webmaster: Kim Mineo

 

Hurricane Sandy Relief Campaign

Social-Minded Science for Superstorm Sandy

New York Sea Grant

New York Sea Grant Web Content Manger: Paul C. Focazio

 

SJCNY- Hurricane Sandy Relief Campaign

St. Joseph’s College

Director of Public Relations: Jessica McAleer

Manager of Community Relations: Melissa Kuehnle

Public Relations Associate: Valerie Esposito

Manager of Public Relations: Michael Banach

 

WBAB Responds on Social Media to Superstorm Sandy

WBAB- Cox Media Group

Social Media Director: David Epstein

Director of Marketing: Jason Steinberg

Webmaster: Suzanne Wolf

Hosts: Roger Luce, John Parise

Producer: Matt Wolfe

News: Ted Lindner

 

Hurricane Sandy Relief Campaign

Social-Minded Science for Superstorm Sandy

New York Sea Grant

New York Sea Grant Web Content Manger: Paul C. Focazio

 

SJCNY- Hurricane Sandy Relief Campaign

St. Joseph’s College

Director of Public Relations: Jessica McAleer

Manager of Community Relations: Melissa Kuehnle

Public Relations Associate: Valerie Esposito

Manager of Public Relations: Michael Banach

 

WBAB Responds on Social Media to Superstorm Sandy

WBAB- Cox Media Group

Social Media Director: David Epstein

Director of Marketing: Jason Steinberg

Webmaster: Suzanne Wolf

Hosts: Roger Luce, John Parise

Producer: Matt Wolfe

News: Ted Lindner

 

 

 

 

Bethpage, N.Y.- FMC has always worked to help organizations become part of the public conversation and now we’re formalizing that process. Continue reading →

Bethpage, N.Y.- The Fair Media Council has announced AT&T as this year’s Folio Awards presenting sponsor. The Folio Awards ceremony will be held at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury, N.Y. on Friday, April 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“AT&T signing up as the event’s main sponsor reflects the importance of having an event such as the Folio Awards in the New York metro area. Winning a Folio is significant: it’s a stamp of approval from the community that tells the media what it wants and needs to keep informed and vibrant,” explained Fair Media Council’s Executive Director Jaci Clement.

For attendees, the Folio Awards affords unprecedented access to members of the media and a unique opportunity to network and establish meaningful connections.

Tickets to attend the Folio Awards ceremony are still available. To purchase online, click here or call 516.224.1860, ext. 700 to purchase over the phone. For sponsorship opportunities, email Gary Wojtas at gary@fairmediacouncil.org or call 516.224.1860, ext. 702.

The Fair Media Council (FMC) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that educates businesses, nonprofits and the public to become media savvy. FMC also advocates for quality local news coverage and has about 200 New York Metro area businesses and nonprofits as members.

Bethpage, N.Y. - The Fair Media Council (FMC) has announced the appointment of longtime communications professional Gary Wojtas to the newly created position of Director of Development. In this role, Wojtas is responsible for the organization’s fund raising, special events and membership services. While based on Long Island, FMC has also established a strong and growing presence and membership base in Northern New Jersey.

Currently, Wojtas is a communications lecturer at both St. Joseph’s College in Patchogue, as well as at Manhattan College in Riverdale, NY. Recently he was the director of communications, marketing and membership services at the Long Island Association, the region’s leading business association. He has also held communications positions at News12 and Long Island University-Brooklyn.

During his career Wojtas has also launched several magazines about the region and written two non-fiction books related to Long Island—“Long Island: Reflections on a Miracle,” and “Long Island: Yesterday and Today.” He is also a two-time Folio Award winner, which are presented each year by FMC for accomplishment in local journalism.

“I am very pleased to be a part of this fine organization and to work with Executive Director Jaci Clement, who continues to be the region’s strongest advocate for quality local news.  The FMC remains an integral part of the regional communications landscape and I look forward to helping the organization grow,” Wojtas explained.

As part of its overall mission, the Fair Media Council educates businesses and nonprofits throughout Long Island and Northern New Jersey about becoming more media savvy and provides access to the media. FMC is also a strong advocate for quality local news, to keep the public informed and the media engaged in the community.

Gary Wojtas can be reached at 516-224-1860, x-702, or at gary@fairmediacouncil.org.

Steve Rubel, chief content strategist for Edelman, the world’s largest independent public relations firm, will keynote Fair Media Council’s 2013 Boot Camp. Continue reading →