Applied Media Literacy in Action. Over the years, I’ve been blessed to attend a fabulous and deeply informative array of programming from the Fair Media Council. Boy, am I bummed to have missed this one! Thank you, Jaci Clement for all the deeply important programming you put together, and for allowing us to share your smart, savvy thoughts on the media known as “The Latest”. We strongly recommend subscribing directly through www.fairmediacouncil.org. and otherwise taking advantage of the valuable – and increasingly critical – resources the FMC makes it their business to provide. This issue is from 11/21/25
When People Show Up, Everything Changes
Every community needs to know what’s happening in their backyards and on their Main Streets. That’s the foundation of a healthy, informed public. And that’s exactly why yesterday’s masterclass mattered as much as it did.
This session offered one of the clearest demonstrations of what we mean by applied media literacy — not theory and not jargon, but the real-world skills organizations need to stay visible, credible, and connected in today’s media environment.
People arrived with ideas for stories. Then, in front of the group, they stood up and pitched those ideas. For some, it meant getting out of their own way and over the fear of public speaking — a fear that looms ever larger in an era when people spend more hours talking to devices than to humans. And then the magic happens: the moment people begin to understand how news actually works. They see the questions journalists ask, what catches interest, what doesn’t, and how clarity and preparation change everything.
That is applied media literacy: understanding the news process by actively engaging in it.
We began with George Gorman Jr., Regional Director of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, giving an inside and engaging look at what it takes to become a trusted spokesperson. His experience spans decades of dealing with real issues — construction mishaps, shark attacks, extreme weather events, political drama — to managing one of today’s biggest challenges: fast-moving misinformation fueled by any beachgoer holding a cell phone. He talked about how easily a routine infrastructure update to the Jones Beach water tower (a very much working and needed water tower) spiraled into rumors that “the Pencil is being removed.”
His message was clear: becoming a trusted spokesperson requires preparation, research, connections, people skills, project skills, expectation management, and the media savvy to correct misinformation in real time.
The organizations that show up win in major ways. They gain insight, confidence, and build important relationships. They learn how the media thinks and how to communicate in ways that break through. And yes — they get their stories placed. That’s applied media literacy at work: the combination of understanding, strategy, and real-world practice.
What the event reinforced is this: applied media literacy isn’t academic. It’s actionable. It’s empowering. And it’s one of the most valuable things FMC provides — a bridge between how people think the media works and how it actually works. Organizations who cross that bridge don’t just understand the news. They become part of it.
Plainly put, Thursday morning was democracy in action.
To watch it unfold was not only a privilege but a gentle reminder that everything is going to be alright because, at the end of the day, people care. About their communities and about each other.
And we’re just getting started. With more programming ahead, the launch of the Member Hub, and new resources rolling out, FMC remains focused on helping organizations strengthen their voice, sharpen their message, and stay connected in a media landscape that isn’t slowing down for anyone.
Many thanks to Chip Gorman for sharing insights and invaluable advice with humor and his signature passion. Special thanks to the news media who participated in this event, sharing insights, feedback and perspective: WPIX videojournalist Keith Lopez, CBS New York reporter Carolyn Gusoff, WSHU Public Radio Senior Director of News and Education Terry Sheridan, FOX 5 New York Public Affairs Manager and “Good Day Street Talk“ Producer Joe Silvestri; 1010WINS reporter Sophia Hall; and News12 reporter Cecilia Dowd.
To everyone who attended, thank you for making your community a stronger, better place to live and work.
– Jaci Clement
CEO & Executive Director
photo by Bob Giglione provided by FMC
Now Live: FMC’s Member Resource Hub
Our new members-only Resource Hub is here, with brand-new tools, guides, and resources designed to help your organization stay ahead in today’s media environment.
Inside the hub, you’ll have access to our media directory, which is now fully searchable; a download library, which is home to guides and resources to build media savvy skills, and our modern media publicity kit, which walks you through everything needed to get your message out and be heard locally and nationally.
If your organization is a member and you haven’t created your own account yet, you’ll find Member Access in the nav bar on the home page. Start there and use your organization email address to be approved. (Note: If you have an account and are logged in, you will see Member Portal in the nav bar. Sign out, and it will change back to Member Access for logging in.)
Not a member? Now’s the time to join and get media savvy.
Enter Folio Awards through Feb. 1
Early submissions earn discounted fees.
We’ve expanded the categories in both the news division and media division, opening eligibility to national, regional, and local news providers, freelancers, students, content creators, businesses, nonprofits, agencies, and media outlets.
This year’s signature awards include $1,000 cash prizes for journalists and content creators. Lifetime achievement nominations are also open. Review the categories, check the rules, and submit in under 10 minutes.
For Journalists & News Providers
National, regional, and local news outlets, freelancers, and students.
→ Explore the categories that fit your newsroom.
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Thank you to those who Sponsor FMC
Apply to Judge the Folio Awards
Business and community leaders are invited to apply to serve as Folio Awards judges — where your insight represents what the public wants and values in news and media today.
Judging is a simple, easy-to-follow process grounded in media literacy principles that not only guides your evaluation but strengthens how you navigate news and information in everyday life.
Serving as a judge is a meaningful public service with lasting impact. Applications are open now through Jan. 20. We encourage you to join our distinguished roster.
Folio Awards Luncheon: June 11
Save this date for the Folio Awards Luncheon, to be held on Thursday, June 11, 2026, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the historic Garden City Hotel. To be part of our 45th anniversary celebration, become a sponsor or advertiser in the Folio Magazine. Find out more.
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Fair Media Council is the authority on the modern media landscape, working at the intersection of media accountability and applied media literacy.
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Republished with permission from The Fair Media Council, 223 Wall Street, Suite 200, Huntington, NY 11743
