Keeping it Real. Keeping it Honest. Since 1979
From the start, our mission has been clear: Hold news and media accountable and create an informed, media-savvy society. Our history uniquely qualifies us to lead the movement for one of today’s greatest social responsibilities: Building a trustworthy, credible media landscape.
Perspectives and Programs
Explore the ideas shaping tomorrow’s media—and the programs we’re using to make change happen today.
Fair Media Council Folio Awards: Best in Media Winners Announced
Meet the 2025 Fair Media Council Folio Award winners for Best in Media—honoring digital and social work that educates, inspires, and informs.
Announcing the 2025 Best in News Folio Award Winners
Fair Media Council’s 2025 Folio Award winners for Best in News are here—recognizing trusted, impactful journalism that made a difference.
Messaging in a Time of Division: Summer Boot Camp + Live Media Pitch
Sharpen your message & pitch the media—live. Join FMC’s Summer Boot Camp on July 22 in Melville. Space is limited.
This Is Why
We live in an “always-on” world. News and media are now vital parts of our lives. They shape our communities, influence our opinions, and define our quality of life. Our society needs media-savvy now more than ever.
By fostering a media ecosystem that values transparency, accountability, and credibility, we’re building stronger, more informed communities—and giving you everything you need to play an instrumental role in the public conversation.
What Is Media Savvy?
We give you the tools, knowledge, connections, and confidence to navigate the modern media landscape effectively, from news to social media, AI and emerging technologies. We attract organizations that prioritize trust, credibility and transparency as our members and supporters. Together, we build a stronger, more informed society. That’s media savvy. How do we do it? Our programming and membership are key drivers.
Leadership Programs
Our members gain the knowledge and skills to successfully navigate the ever-changing media landscape, recognize misinformation, and avoid being fooled by fake news. And they consistently rank as leaders in their industries.
Some of our past speakers have included Dan Rather, John Carreyrou, Al Roker, Maggie Haberman and Michael Wolff. Our signature events feature open dialogue with journalists and media leaders to build mutual respect and understanding with the community. Building relationships and landing news interviews are among the benefits of membership.
Who We Are
Founded in 1979, the Fair Media Council is one of the oldest, most successful media watchdogs in the country. How’d we do that? By putting the public first and advocating for quality news and information. Of course, it helps that we cut our teeth before the invention of cable, so we’ve lived and breathed the changing media landscape and the impact that has had on our society and culture. That history enables us to make sense of the evolving media landscape, its challenges and opportunities. FMC is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit headquartered on Long Island, N.Y.
FMC Folio Awards
The Fair Media Council Folio Award has become the Gold Standard for the Modern Media Landscape. We honor the best in news and media, and all are eligible to enter. Our judging process gives the public a voice, and the results represent what the public, the ultimate critic, wants from today’s media. The Folio Awards is Long Island’s biggest and most prestigious media event, with winners flying in from around the country to participate in a buzzy luncheon filled with A-Listers from media, community and business. It is one of FMC’s signature events.
Our Impact
With 45 years of advocacy, we wrote the playbook on how to successfully deal with news and media issues, from keeping local news local to impacting media business decisions that protect the public’s right to know. Our roots in the New York metro market, the largest in the world, give us the power to influence media across the country.
Our programming has empowered thousands of organizations to amplify their voices by offering expert media education and direct access to influential platforms. By fostering diverse expertise and perspectives, we ensure a richer, more inclusive public conversation that drives meaningful change. Their stories have reached the top of newscasts and graced the covers of newspapers, but the work is far from over. The need for trustworthy media continues to grow—let’s talk about how you can be a part of it.
Corporate, Nonprofit & Student Memberships
Grow your media savvy and become a member of the Fair Media Council. We attract high-caliber organizations that believe in the need for quality news and an informed society. Joining FMC provides a valuable and unique avenue for community engagement and social responsibility. We also place a premium on education, health and digital wellness.
Real Stories. Real Impact: What People Are Saying About Us
“FMC is an American model of truth and fairness. Recognizing those in the media who are doing a job while holding those who don’t to the fire. Now more than ever America needs FMC.”
– Michael B. DeLuise, Retired Business Executive, Eugene, OR.
“FMC provides a forum for all who are interested in preserving a free and open press to exchange ideas respectfully. Protecting responsible journalism is in everyone’s best interest, and FMC gives each of us a chance to participate.”
– Leila Zogby, Leila Zogby Business Writer, Queens, N.Y.
“Stop watching five-second reels, and join a real community to become media savvy.”
– Sean Caffrey-Agoglia, Teacher, John Dewey High School, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Our Elite Members
