The Gold Standard for the Modern Media Landscape
Where the public’s trust meets media excellence. Honoring work that informs, inspires, and elevates the public conversation.
New Categories to Celebrate Our 45th Year
You May Now Enter the Folio Awards. Submit by Feb. 1, 2026
Your Work. Your Moment. The Gold Standard Awaits.
Why the Folio Awards Matter
The Fair Media Council Folio Awards set the Gold Standard for the Modern Media Landscape.
A Folio is more than a mark of excellence — it is a declaration of relevance. Winners reflect the stories, campaigns, and conversations that not only raise the standard for media, but also resonate with the public it serves.
Winning a Folio means you’ve captured the public’s trust.
For more than four decades, the Folio Awards have stood apart as the only recognition that bridges industry standards with public values. Each award affirms not only quality, but also impact — proof that the work being done is what people value, want, and need.
The annual Folio Awards luncheon gathers leaders from news, media, business, and the community to celebrate those who set the standard. It is more than a ceremony — it is where public trust meets media excellence, and where the future of storytelling is defined.
The Folio Awards Luncheon will be Thursday, June 11, 2026, The Garden City Hotel
Join Us to Celebrate Our 45th Anniversary
Who May Enter the Folio Awards
The Fair Media Council Folio Awards welcome entries from across today’s media landscape.
News (who’s eligible):
- National News: Television, radio, print, and digital outlets across the United States.
- Metro Area News: Outlets covering stories about the New York metro area.
- Local News: Outlets covering Long Island.
- Student News: Journalism students at the college and university levels.
Media (who’s eligible):
- Businesses
- Nonprofits
- Media Companies
- News Organizations
- Content Creators
Eligible work includes digital, social, and corporate communications that inform, inspire, or educate the public.
Awards Categories
Each year, the Folio Awards evolve to reflect today’s media landscape. Categories are refined to honor the work that not only demonstrates excellence, but also proves its relevance to the public. Because the media environment changes, so do we — please review the current list of categories and rules before submitting your entry.
News Categories
The Folio Awards for News honor journalism in all formats and platforms — from individual reporters and anchors to coverage of politics, economy, health, education, and community life. Categories evolve each year to reflect the modern media landscape. Be sure to check the current list before submitting your entry.
Media Categories
From exceptional storytelling and community campaigns to podcasts and digital platforms, the Folio Awards recognize communications that resonate with the public and move conversations forward. Because the awards evolve with technology and audience needs, some categories may change from year to year. This year, we’ve expanded categories to recognize individuals — from Community Leaders to Spokespeople — as well as community events, college magazines and much more. Please check the current list before submitting your entry.
Signature Awards
Our Truth & Impact Award (News) and Social Impact Storytelling Award (Media) are Signature Awards. Each includes a cash prize.
Lifetime Achievement Awards
Nominations for Lifetime Achievement Awards in News and in Media may be submitted by anyone. Basic eligibility includes more than 35 years experience in the industry with notable career achievements and community leadership.
Taking home a Folio from the Fair Media Council means you’ve captured the public’s trust.
Enter Now. Your Work. Your Moment.
It only takes about 10 minutes. Every entry is judged for both excellence and relevance—what wins a Folio reflects the work the public values, wants, and needs. Entries are due by Feb. 1, 2026. Enter early for discounted entry fees.
Become a Sponsor
The Folio Awards are made possible through the support of community champions and responsible corporate citizens who believe in the power of quality media to strengthen democracy. Sponsorship provides more than high-visibility recognition — it positions your organization as a leader in addressing one of the most urgent challenges of our time: ensuring access to credible news and responsible digital communication in an era of disinformation.
Join us in celebrating excellence and relevance in media while showcasing your brand’s commitment to truth and community impact.
📩 Interested in sponsorship? Contact info@fairmediacouncil.org
Note: The Fair Media Council’s Folio Awards (established in 1981) is an independent program honoring outstanding news and media that serve the public interest. It is not affiliated with the “Folio Awards: Eddie & Ozzie” program presented by Folio Magazine/Access Intelligence.