the gold standard
for the modern media landscape
Folio Awards
Recognizing the best in news, digital media and social media on the local, regional, and national levels.
About the Folio Awards
The Fair Media Council Folio Awards are the Gold Standard for the Modern Media Landscape. Due to FMC’s rigorous judging process, earning a Folio is a prestigious award that puts winners on the A-List with the best in the industry.
The FMC Folio Awards luncheon brings together a legendary crowd for a buzzy, meaningful celebration unlike any other media event in the country.
Photo: Marisa Mellick

Recognizing the best in news & media
News Categories:
Eligible entries include national news, New York metro regional news, and Long Island hyperlocal news produced by professionals or students.
Media Categories:
Open to all U.S.-based organizations. We welcome social and digital media that educates, enlightens, or inspires. Submissions from both professionals and students are encouraged.
Accepting Lifetime Award Nominations
For News
- Lifetime Achievement in News -This prestigious award celebrates a lifetime of impact, integrity, and unwavering commitment to informing the public and strengthening our democracy through quality news and access to information. Journalists and media professionals are eligible. Nominate someone who has shaped the media landscape and inspired future generations.
For Media
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NEW! Lifetime Achievement in Media – Nominate an individual for innovation, leadership, and impact in advancing digital platforms, content, and technology that enhances public access to quality information and enriches the media landscape. This award recognizes a legacy of excellence in shaping how media informs, connects, and empowers communities.
Folio Awards Signature Categories
For News
- NEW! Truth & Impact Award - The Fair Media Council Truth & Impact Award recognizes journalism that not only uncovers the truth but also has a demonstrable impact on society, leading to significant, documented change or awareness. This is the only news award to include a cash prize.
For Media
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NEW! Social Impact Storytelling Award – The Fair Media Council Folio Awards highest honor in media. This award is for digital media or social media work that drives meaningful social change through powerful storytelling and engagement using social media. This is the only media category that includes a cash prize.
Categories for a Modern Media Landscape
For News
- Major awards include best newscast, anchor and reporter and more, plus more awards under these major headings:
- Breaking News & Special Coverage
- Investigative, Public Service & Watchdog Journalism
- Business, Economy & Technology Coverage
- Commentary, Columns & Editorial, including Cartoons
- Education Coverage
- Health & Wellness Coverage
- Social & Cultural Coverage
For Media
- In addition to the introduction of our Social Impact Storytelling Award, media categories include awards under these major headings:
- Social Responsibility, including CSR, & Truth
- Storytelling & Creative Content
- Classic Digital Media
- Media Relations & Branding
- Podcasts
- Innovation & Strategy
- Leadership
Entering is Easy
Have 10 minutes? That’s about all it takes to enter into one of the most prestigious news and media contests in the country.
2024 Winners
The best in news and social media from around the country enter the Fair Media Council Folio Awards.
Best in News
Enterprise News Reporting
Raw Story
Law Makers, Law Breakers
Nov.27, 2023
Alexandria Jacobson, Investigative Reporter
Dave Levinthal, Editor-in-Chief
Best Newscast
WABC-TV
Eyewitness News at 5 pm: Gilgo Beach Killings Arrest
July 14, 2023
Scott Matthews, Vice President of News
Best in Media
Best in Social by a Corporation
Snowflake
Social Demo of Snowpark for Data Engineering in Action
Snowflake Content Marketing Team
Best Newsletter by Nonprofit (Small)
New York Sea Grant
New York Coastlines
Paul Focazio, Communications Manager
Become a Sponsor or Supporter
Community champions and responsible corporate citizens sponsor our annual Folio Awards. Sponsorship not only offers high-visibility recognition but enhances a brand’s image by helping to combat one of the biggest issues of our time: The need for quality news and social media in an era of disinformation and fake news. Interested in sponsorship? Email info@fairmediacouncil.org