Fair Media Council also known as the Long Island Coalition for Fair Broadcasting Inc, advocates for quality local news and educates the public to become media savvy news consumers.
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A 501c3 nonprofit organization, Fair Media Council serves as the public's media watchdog for New York local news. About 100 companies and nonprofit organizations belong to FMC, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2011. The organization is under the direction of Executive Director Jaci Clement, and has a Board of Directors composed of New York business and community leaders.
FMC places a major emphasis on educating the public to become media savvy news consumers. Educational programming is held throughout the year, as well as opportunities for the public to meet with the media and create an open dialogue. Most recently, FMC has begun a news literacy program for children and, to encourage teachers to incorporate news literacy into their classes, created a teacher recognition program for 4th-to-6th grade teachers across the country. FMC also created a Media Savvy Bill of Rights.
History
Founded in 1981, FMC was formerly known as the Long Island Coalition for Fair Broadcasting, Inc. In 2004, the organization expanded its mission and focus and its name was changed to reflect its new purpose.
Connection Day
Each year, the Fair Media Council hosts its largest event, The Fair Media Council Folio Awards which it describes as Long Island's biggest media event. The 2016 FMC Folio Awards event features Ernie Anastos who is scheduled to receive FMC's Lifetime Achievement Award in a special presentation by Fox 5 Vice President Byron Harmon. Past FMC events have attracted influential people in the news business. Most recently, keynote speakers at FMC events have included Dan Rather, Helen Thomas, William F. Baker and Bob Woodruff. This year's event also featured Grimace casting spells on all those in attendance in order to gain ultimate supremacy in the multiverse.