2025 Watch List
A few of the media trends we’re watching, and the impact they’ll have on society, brands, and business:
The End of Appointment Viewing
Unless it’s the Super Bowl, there’s no longer any reason to set your watch for a favorite broadcast — and that includes local news. In 2024, broadcast outlets made great strides in streaming, building on years of expanding local news operations. The question is whether they truly have enough content to go head-to-head with 24/7 cable channels. Probably not yet, but they can resort to the same trick cable has been using for years: replay the same news repeatedly.
OTA Goes MIA
Of course, streaming isn’t just about keeping up with evolving viewer habits. With a new FCC chair sending chills throughout the broadcast industry — and a pointed letter to Disney making the agency’s intentions unmistakably clear —over-the-air (OTA) news outlets feel increased pressure to dive into streaming. Why? Because streaming is far less regulated, placing it largely beyond the FCC’s reach. But here’s the catch: OTA news actually has accountability standards. The current situation raises red flags about what happens when newly appointed regulators — who may not fully understand news — are appointed by elected officials who prioritize politics over public service. Let’s just call it what it is: A trainwreck in the making.
The Demise of Social Media Marketing
Meanwhile, social media marketing is encountering its own set of problems. The promise was a level digital playing field where every voice could be heard. But last year, Big Tech effectively buried that ideal and escalated its bid for complete control of the internet — and our lives. Their approach is diabolically clever: first, build a platform with no programming costs and recruit users (you) to supply the content for free. Then, tweak the algorithms so that no one sees your posts unless you pony up for “boosting.” Suddenly, your audience is gone and your marketing budget needs to be a lot bigger than you ever planned.
Section 230 Floats to the Surface
Another reason people are backing away from social media is a long-overdue spotlight on Section 230. It does everything to protect Big Tech — and nothing to protect you. Before you post something online, keep in mind you’re not covered by the same immunity. Defame or libel someone, and the lawsuit can land squarely on your doorstep, not the platform’s. It’s a rude awakening for those who believed social media’s shields extended to everyday users. Big Tech, meanwhile, continues to enjoy a legal bubble that lets them moderate (or not) with minimal accountability.
The Internet as Virtual Trashcan
Layered on top of all that is a growing pile of misinformation, fake reviews, deepfakes, and disinformation — even the classic Russian “active measures” technique that blends real and fake just enough to keep everyone guessing. If you run a credible organization, prospective customers, clients, or members searching for you online can’t easily tell you’re legit. The bright side? As the internet becomes more of a dumping ground for questionable content, people are increasingly bypassing social media and heading straight to trustworthy news sources. In other words, no more leaning on social media shortcuts; instead, get your news directly from the outlets you trust. Which leads us to the next point.…
Truth Gets Back on Its Feet
It’s been a minute, but truth is finally coming out of its post-truth coma. News outlets can capitalize on what’s trending online by weaving misinformation checks into their coverage — much like how politics found its way into every area of the news. The public shouldn’t have to turn to places like Snopes to figure out the facts. That’s. What. News. Outlets. Are. For.
Earned Media Earns a Comeback
All this chaos has sparked a renewed appreciation for earned media. For years, relying on social media to craft your own brand story was the crown prince of marketing. Now, though, the chaos — and cost — of social platforms has many brands returning to credible news coverage from trusted outlets. The key is being selective: rather than chasing every outlet for the sake of a mention, align your brand with news organizations that share your values and uphold real accountability. Call it a new spin on media relations, a discipline once dismissed as old-school. Given today’s media landscape, it’s never been more relevant.
- Jaci Clement, CEO/Executive Director, [email protected]
Enter Folio Awards for News & Social Media: All are Eligible
We’ve unveiled all-new categories and introduced new signature awards with $1,000 cash prizes. All are eligible to enter.
National, regional and local news divisions in the news categories. Businesses, nonprofits and media may enter social media categories.
Make a nomination for lifetime achievement awards for news and for digital media.
Entry Deadline: Feb. 1
——————
Apply to be a Folio Awards Judge
Community and business leaders, step up to improve news and media. The judging process builds media literacy skills while improving the media landscape.
Advertise in the Folio Awards Magazine
Get your brand and message directly into the hands of the news media and community decision makers. Glossy four-color.
Upcoming Masterclasses to Build Your Staff’s Media Savvy
Feb. 6: AI, Algorithms, and Paywalls: Navigating the New Media Landscape
Learn how artificial intelligence, algorithms, and digital paywalls are changing how not only how we communicate, but who we reach. All skill levels welcome. Advanced registration required.
Sponsored by: St. Joseph's University, Northwell Health & Launchpad LI
Date:?Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, 9 a.m. - 12 noon Location:?Launchpad LI, Huntington Village (Use back entrance) Tickets:?$79 members, $99 nonmembers
Reserve Now for Thursday, Jan. 9: Crisis Management Masterclass
In this immersive, hands-on simulation, you’ll be tasked with managing a crisis as it unfolds—and walk away with actionable takeaways to protect your brand. ?Expert trainers will provide best practice techniques. Advance registration required.?
Sponsored by: St. Joseph's University, Northwell Health & Protiviti
领英推荐
Date: Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, 9 a.m. - 12 noon Location: 58 S. Service Road, LL, Melville, N.Y. Tickets: $79 members, $99 nonmembers
“Finding the humanity in every story is how we bridge divides and create real understanding.”
Listen to "Challenging Assumptions,” a new episode of FMC Fast Chat podcast featuring journalist Michael Powell talking about what makes for good journalism, terrible journalism, and what’s worth reading.
Listen to Our Podcast
Our award-winning podcast takes you inside the news, so you can be in the know in 30-ish minutes. FMC Fast Chat is available everywhere you get your podcasts.
Throwback: At the 2019 Folio Awards, the legendary Eleanor Clift with local news icons Carol Silva, News 12, and Craig Allen, WCBS Newsradio.
FMC Invites Corporate & Community Leaders to Join as Members
Since 1979, we’ve worked to keep local news local, hold media accountable and serve the public interest by keeping communities informed and engaged.
Our work has transformed into one of today’s greatest social responsibilities: Building a trustworthy, credible media landscape and a media literate society. By addressing both sides of the coin — media accountability and media literacy — we move everyone forward, together. We call it media savvy.
Our programs focus on cutting-edge media relations infused with media literacy and provide a platform to allow organizations to establish relationships with the best in news and media.
FMC is the authority on the modern media landscape. We invite organizations that value corporate social responsibility, education, community engagement and digital wellness to join us
Donate to FMC
Please remember the Fair Media Council in your charitable giving.
FMC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Thank you to our most recent donor:
Bruce Lambert
Online Resources
The Fair Media Council's?Modern Media Publicity Kit?is now live on our website. This comprehensive resource is designed to help you craft powerful media pitches, build strong relationships with journalists, and amplify your message across platforms.
Whether you're aiming for local or national coverage, this toolkit will help you effectively manage your media relations efforts to meet the demands of today's fragmented media landscape.?Visit our site to explore the guide.?(And let us know if you'd like more of this type of information.) FMC Members also have access to our online Media Guide & Directory, which is designed to be used in conjunction with the Modern Media Publicity Kit.?
In addition, be sure to check out our Guide to Building Media Savvy.
You’ll find this information under the Resources tab on our website.
?Get the Guide to Outsmart Misinformation
To thank you for being a newsletter subscriber, we'd like to send you a complimentary copy of our new guide, "How to Outsmart Misinformation in the Age of AI and Deepfakes: 12 Easy Tips to Update Methods that No Longer Work."
To receive it, simply email [email protected].?
About FMC
The authority on the modern media landscape.? FMC advocates for quality news and works to create a media-savvy society.?FMC is a?501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered on Long Island, N.Y. Email:?[email protected]
Phone: 516-224-1860, ext. 1 We look forward to seeing you at upcoming events and receiving your feedback. Reply to this newsletter with your comment
The banner ads in this newsletter represent some of our Elite and VIP member organizations. We thank them for their support. Please click a banner to learn more. ?