Who Can Enter

Entries are open to all: businesses, nonprofit organizations, colleges and universities, associations, media outlets, and individuals. Both professionals and students are welcome to enter. Be sure to select the correct division on the entry form.

What Should Be Entered

Entries must represent media work that educates, informs, or inspires the public. Eligible submissions may include:

• Social media campaigns
• Digital publications (newsletters, digital magazines, websites)
• Podcasts
• Video or multimedia projects
• Organization-hosted events with media or digital coverage
• Other original digital content

⚠️ Pure marketing, promotional, or sponsored content is not eligible. 

Categories are updated annually — check the current list before submitting. Each entry requires a separate fee.

Who Judges

Entries are evaluated by a mix of industry professionals, community leaders, and media users, using FMC’s proprietary scorecard, which emphasizes:

• Quality of storytelling
• Presentation and creativity
• Engagement and community impact

Entry Requirements

• Work must have been published, launched, or active during the previous calendar year.
• Submissions must include supporting details that illustrate engagement, impact, or results.
• Student entries must be created by currently enrolled students on the college or university level.
• Entrants must provide names and titles exactly as they should appear on certificates, should an entry win. No changes will be accepted after submission.
• Entrants must disclose whether AI was used in creation or editing.
• Judges retain the right to move an entry to a different category if they deem it a better fit.

About the Social Impact Storytelling Award

The Social Impact Storytelling Award is the top honor in the media categories, recognizing work that demonstrates meaningful social change through powerful storytelling and engagement.

• This is the only category to include a $1,000 cash prize.
• The award may be presented to an organization, individual, or group.

Preparing to Enter

Before submitting, please:

• Verify spelling of names and titles. Those listed should be directly connected to the creation of the content.
• Confirm publication or launch dates.
• Provide clear explanation of goals and results.
• Supply working links to entries.
• Complete certificate information carefully. Review before hitting the submit button. There will be no preview screen.

Entry Fees

• Entry fees apply to each submission.
• Fees are tiered by date — the earlier you enter, the lower the cost.
• Entry fees not paid will disqualify the entry.
• All fees are nonrefundable.

Rights & Permissions

By entering, submitters grant the Fair Media Council (FMC) the unrestricted right to use submitted materials for judging, promotion, publicity, education, and archival purposes. This includes, but is not limited to, displaying entries in print, digital, or live event formats; referencing them in FMC communications; and maintaining them in FMC’s archives. Entrants retain copyright to their original work but agree that FMC may use their entries in whole or in part without further permission or compensation.

Questions?

Email info@fairmediacouncil.org with questions, or call 516-224-1860, ext. 1. Allow two business days for a response.
(Please note: FMC’s office has limited availability between Christmas and New Year’s.)