Mission and Values
Guided by its mission, the Fair Media Council upholds several core values that define its role as the authority on the modern media landscape. These values include social responsibility, leadership development, community engagement, and promoting individual and community health and well-being. Here’s how FMC’s commitment to these principles is reflected in its initiatives and activities.
Social Responsibility:
- Community Focus: FMC is committed to serving the community by ensuring that media coverage is fair, accurate, and reflective of diverse voices. We believe that the media has a duty to inform the public responsibly and to act in the public’s best interest, and news coverage is vital to maintaining quality-of-life standards and vibrant communities.
- Advocacy for Ethical Journalism & Media: FMC promotes high standards of ethics, emphasizing the media’s role in shaping an informed and engaged society. This involves pushing for transparency, accountability, and integrity in media practices to foster trust between the media and the public.
- Educational Outreach: Through workshops, podcasts, media training and media literacy programs, FMC educates the public on how to critically assess news sources and understand the media’s influence. This educational effort supports a more informed and empowered citizenry. Additionally, FMC expects everyone, not just journalists, to be responsible when using corporate communication vehicles, social media, AI, and other platforms. Responsible use involves verifying information, avoiding the spread of misinformation, and understanding the impact of one’s communications on the public discourse.
Leadership Development:
- Empowering Media Professionals: FMC provides training and professional development opportunities for media professionals. These programs are designed to enhance skills, foster ethical decision-making, and encourage leadership within the media industry.
- Recognizing Excellence: By acknowledging and rewarding exemplary work in journalism and media, FMC promotes leadership qualities such as innovation, integrity, and commitment to quality. These recognitions help set benchmarks for others to aspire to in the field.
- Networking and Collaboration: FMC facilitates networking opportunities among media professionals, community leaders, and educators. This collaboration helps build a strong leadership community that can address current challenges in the media landscape and work together towards common goals.
- Thought Leadership and Best Practices: FMC is dedicated to fostering thought leadership and promoting best practices in the media industry. By providing insights and strategic understanding of media trends, FMC helps create a better breed of media professionals who are equipped to navigate and shape the future of media effectively.
Community Engagement:
- Fostering Stronger Communities: FMC actively engages with community and industry leaders to strengthen bonds and promote collaboration between community and media. This involvement helps to create a media environment that is responsive to the needs and concerns of diverse populations.
- Informed Electorate: FMC believes in the power of a well-informed electorate to sustain a strong democracy. By advocating for accurate and comprehensive news coverage, FMC helps empower citizens to make informed decisions in the democratic process.
- Strengthening Democracy: Through its various initiatives, FMC works to foster a media landscape that supports open dialogue, encouraging civic participation, and ensuring that all voices are heard in the public sphere. FMC’s work to keep local news local and accountable since 1979 has earned it the reputation for being one of the oldest, most successful advocate for quality news in the country.
Health and Well-being:
- Work-Life Balance: FMC advocates for a healthy work-life balance for media professionals, recognizing the demanding nature of the industry. We promote practices and policies that support mental health and overall well-being, helping media professionals manage stress and avoid burnout.
- Support Systems: FMC emphasizes the importance of support systems within the media industry. This includes creating environments where media professionals feel valued and supported, and where they can access resources.
- Community Well-Being: Beyond individual health, FMC is dedicated to the well-being of the community. By ensuring that the public receives accurate and fair information, FMC contributes to a more informed, connected, and healthy society. This holistic approach to health and well-being encompasses both the providers of news and the recipients.
Photo by artist Asia Lee
