A Different Kind of Celebration

In a media-driven society, it takes media savvy to maintain high quality-of-life standards that protect our backyard, region, and country.

Local news doesn't simply keep you informed. It defines your community. If you don't believe that, then take a look at a map and discover that Long Island is actually, in reality, comprised of far more than Nassau and Suffolk counties. Mentality, we all reject that -- and that includes the good people of Queens and Brooklyn, who feel no connection to the 'burbs. In fact, the idea that only Nassau and Suffolk make up the real Long Island if you want to call it that, is often attributed to Newsday, which focused on covering the two counties since its inception.?

It's a good example of how powerful media may be in creating perceptions that define our thinking. It also underscores the need to understand media in order to own your own mind.?

Recognizing quality news and social media that begins in our backyard to keep us informed and connected is the hallmark of the Fair Media Council Folio Awards. From there, we branch out to the region and nation, building on information to put issues and events into context. Our expansion of the awards is an acknowledgment of the digital village we find ourselves living in, as well as the growing need for social media that acts responsibly in the public domain. How we get our information and how we connect have changed dramatically in recent history, and the last two years have amplified our habits.?

While we advocate for quality, the best way to ensure an improved media experience for all is to educate the public, giving them the tools to navigate today's media landscape with confidence. That's what Folio judging is all about.?

This year, in an awards ceremony that was back to being an in-person event after a two-year hiatus, we celebrated the winners and a program that is made possible by the community at large. But that wasn't all. We also celebrated the importance of simply hanging in there: Getting up and doing the job, whatever the job may be, is what enabled us to progress and move the community forward. During a time when so many people quit or even moved away, it's the people who stayed put and got the job done that need to be recognized. Quitting may have been the right answer for an individual, but it isn't the answer for society.

For all of those who stuck it out, this year's Folio Awards was for you. Congratulations to you all.

WINNER'S WALK: 40 feet of images showcasing the stunning beauty of Long Island provided attendees with plenty of photo ops while setting the theme for the day: Our View of the World Begins Here. #fmcfolio

WORK, FOLIO-STYLE:??Folio Co-Hosts Scott Stanford and Tina Cervasio brought their A-game and led an all-star effort to?recognize the best in news and social media. Pictured here with legends Rita Cosby, who just took home her 7th Gracie Award, and Ernie Anastos, who just announced his new nationally syndicated television show, the pros set a festive, happy vibe in spite of the 90-degree heat. WABC-TV's Shirleen Allicot and Ken Rosato, WCBS Newsradio 880's Tom Kaminski and NBC New York's Dave Price continued to bring the fun, and went the extra mile to greet the students in attendance and make them feel welcome. #fmcfolio

#winning The CBS New York news team won big and was represented by the team at large. The Folio Awards bring out the people who make the news happen and this year we welcomed many new faces from CBS2, WABC-TV, FOX 5, 77 WABC, PIX11, News12, Insider, Newsday, and more.?

NEXT GEN: Students from Montclair State University were among the big winners. They're pictured here to WCBS Newsradio's Tom Kaminski, who happens to be an alum. Hence, the proud smile.?

SOCIAL DISTANCING: The pool and South Beach-inspired grounds of the Crest Hollow Country Club gave attendees plenty of open space to relax and celebrate in a safe environment. A surf-and-turf BBQ-style menu and lots of networking helped make this year's Folio Awards unlike any other. Thanks to Bob Giglione for serving as official photographer and to Crest Hollow, for graciously accommodating our special requests.?

The Fair Media Council Folio Awards honor the best in news and social media. All are eligible to enter. This year's event was made possible, in part, thanks to support from Bethpage Federal Credit Union and Northwell Health.

Find out more at fairmediacouncil.org/folio-awards