If Nassau and Suffolk Counties were a separate state, it would rank 18th in population in the United States. We would probably have more than one daily newspaper conveying the "state" and several TV stations would blanket our area. But that will never be the case, because we are in the shadow of New York City. Until the advent of News 12 Long Island, there was no television station developed exclusively for Long Island news. It was much easier for New York City stations to cover the five boroughs than to send camera crews out to Long Island. The result was a snub for Long Island.

Ignoring Long Island was easy in the '60s and the '70s because no one was speaking about Long Island news coverage. That all changed in 1979 when a persistent and articulate Abby Kenigsberg created the Long Island Coalition for Fair Broadcasting. Structured as a non-partisan and not-for-profit citizens group, the coalition dedicated itself to obtaining increased and more substantial coverage of Long Island from New York City based television and radio. Supported by businesses, religious organizations, health care delivery and educational institutions, the coalition has had a significant impact on New York City media.

The coalition has also been supportive of city stations and others for excellence in Long Island reporting. Its FOLIO Awards Program (Focus On Long Island Operations) honors radio and television journalists who have done the right thing with regard to Long Island news. The coalition dialogues regularly with broadcasters and government officials.

Setting up media round tables and focus sessions, the coalition provides advice on obtaining media coverage and acts as a clearinghouse for media information. Its TV/Radio/Cable Guide is the only directory of Long Island media contacts.

Beyond its broad range of public activities, the Coalition has been most successful in getting New York City electronic media to pay attention to Long Island ¬ not just the high profile criminal cases, but to the substantial issues like transportation, and energy costs. The Coalition has been responsible for getting bureaus and correspondents established on Long Island.

Abby Kenigsberg summed the work of the Coalition best when she recently told me, "There is nothing more satisfying than seeing a story on TV that is an intelligent analysis of community life or points to a situation that needs improvement and knowing that the Coalition had something to do with its being on the air. We are sure to let all the stations in New York know that we think responsible coverage is of great value. We give FOLIO Awards to demonstrate our approval and speak with stations to tell them how we admire "the Good Stuff."

If you want to learn more about the work of the Long Island Coalition for Fair Broadcasting, please call 222-0146. They will welcome your interest.